A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man who led a 'chaotic lifestyle' disappeared almost five months ago.

Andrew Stones was last seen on October 28 last year and when he failed to turn up for an appointment the following month the alarm was raised.

A search for Mr Stones proved fruitless but a further call to Cleveland Police in February resulted in a major investigation being launched.

The Northern Echo: Andrew StonesAndrew Stones

On Tuesday, Cleveland Police cordoned off an area of Dunmail Road while officers carried out a search of wasteland near to where the 48-year-old was regularly seen.

Residents living opposite the field were shocked when they learned a murder investigation had been launched after house to house enquiries in the area yielded limited information.

One woman, who didn't want to be named, said: "We used to see him walking up and down the street all of the time. At first we didn't know who the police meant when they were talking about him but once they described what he would be doing, we knew straightaway who they were talking about.

"A lot of people gather at the phonebox and they are always up to something. The police were inside one of the flats at the top of the street on Tuesday afternoon and they were all wearing the white forensic suits."

The Northern Echo: Police carrying out a search of the areaPolice carrying out a search of the area

Cleveland Police confirmed that two men had been arrested in connection with the suspected murder and had been released while investigations continue. They are both aged 42 and from the Stockton area.

The 48-year-old was last seen on October 28, 2020 on Norton Road, close to the Buffs Social Club, at about midday.

The Northern Echo: DCI Shaun PageDCI Shaun Page

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page, said: "It is fair to say that Andrew led a chaotic lifestyle and trying to trace where he was staying proved difficult.

"He was usually in contact with his family and his disappearance was out of character for him. There has been no proof of life since he disappeared in October.

"He lived a bit of a transient lifestyle but we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and help us find out what happened."

The Northern Echo: Posters have been placed around Stockton town centre appealing for informationPosters have been placed around Stockton town centre appealing for information

  • Anyone who may have information, or may have CCTV or dash cam footage of Andrew Stones on Wednesday 28th October, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.