A MURDER inquiry has been held up because members of the public are failing to respond after being contacted by the police.

Cleveland Police investigating the murder 31-year-old father Darren Manders said they are finding it difficult to track down householders they have already visited.

Mr Manders was last seen in Bow Street, near the junction of Borough Road and Linthorpe Road, in Middlesbrough, between 11.30pm and midnight on Thursday, June 5.

His body was later found dumped in woods in Nunthorpe partly hidden under a pile of logs.

He had two sons, Jason and Lee, aged ten and 11.

Members of the Police District Support Unit have made house-to-house calls but said their efforts have been hampered because residents who are not in when officers call are not getting in touch.

Detective Superintendent Karnail Dulku said: "My officers who have called on Bow Street, Walpole Street, Princes Street and Athol Street are finding it difficult to complete their inquiries because residents who are not in when they call are not responding to a letter which is then put through their door.

"I would appeal to anyone who does receive a letter to contact us or indeed anyone else who might have information about Mr Manders' disappearance and death."

Anyone with any information should call the police on either 07736 084376 or (01642) 303188.