CCTV footage of a vehicle with a 'person in the boot' has been released as police make an urgent appeal to trace the car.

Concerns were raised by witnesses who saw a person possibly laid in the boot of the vehicle as it drove slowly, with the boot open, down Marton Road in Middlesbrough.

Police received a report from a concerned member of the public at about 9pm on Sunday.

They had seen a dark coloured estate vehicle 'driving very slowly' with the boot up along Captain Cook's Crescent before turning right on to Marton Shops. It then turned on to Gunnergate Lane.

It was reported that the vehicle may have contained a person laid in the boot.

Police have not yet been able to trace the car or its occupants.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dimelow said: “We now have CCTV footage which we can release into the public domain which will hopefully allow us to identify the vehicle and the occupants of it.

“I would urge anyone who may know who the vehicle belongs to, to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency.

“The vehicle made its way along Captain Cooks Crescent then turned right onto Dixons Bank towards Marton shops then Gunnergate Lane at around 9pm on Sunday 20th October. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.”

Police would like to appeal to anyone who may have information about the vehicle or its occupants, or anyone with dash cam or private CCTV footage of the vehicle to call 101, quoting event number 181063, or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.