WITNESSES have started to come forward as detectives try to piece together the final moments of a pensioner murdered in his County Durham home.

More than 200 leaflets carrying a photograph of 77-year-old Bill Pyle, from Stanley Street, Close House, Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, have been delivered in the area where he lived.

Mr Pyle's badly beaten body was recovered from his burning home by firefighters after they answered a 999 call last Sunday, at about 8.30pm.

His 41-year-old daughter, Ann-Marie, was found naked in the backyard of the house after she escaped the blaze.

Detectives are still waiting to question her at her bedside at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, where she is being treated for burns and other injuries.

Her condition is comfortable, but it is thought she will be unfit for questioning until early next week.

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading the case, said: "I am surprised and disappointed with the poor response, given that Bill was well-known and well-liked in the close-knit communities of Close House and Eldon Lane.

"However, circulating the leaflets yesterday has proved very useful. I am heartened that people are now coming forward."

Extra police officers will be on duty in the Stanley Street area tomorrow to talk to local people in the hope someone might have seen the pensioner and his daughter throughout last weekend.

Meanwhile, witnesses can contact the murder incident room on (01325) 742535 or 742536 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.