POLICE are trying to track down hundreds of lorry movements, in a bid to shed light on the death of a man on Teesside.

Bachelor Edward Anderson's death on the A172 Stokesley Road, on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, in August, was initially treated as a suspected hit- and-run victim.

Intensive inquiries, which included forensic tests on a number of vehicles, were carried out in the area. There were also police road checks in which drivers were stopped and questioned.

Detectives also appealed for taxi drivers to come forward, hoping their passengers might have seen Mr Anderson.

Cleveland Police believe the 54-year-old may have been knocked down by a heavy lorry whose driver may have been unaware that he had struck someone.

A passing motorist discovered the body of Mr Anderson, of Captain Cook's Way, Great Ayton, east Cleveland, at the side of the A172, near Poole roundabout, Nunthorpe, early on August 31. He had severe head injuries.

Witnesses remembered seeing him walking along Stokesley Road from the bus stop outside the Southern Cross pub.

Police say appeals for help resulted in a good response from the public.

PC Paul Hunter, of the force's accident investigation unit, said forensic test results indicated a heavy lorry had been involved.

He said: "It was a dark, misty night, and it is quite probable that the driver may not have seen Mr Anderson or even realised there had been an accident."

Haulage contractors are receiving visits from the police, who are also monitoring lorry traffic on the road. Closed-circuit television cameras are being checked.

PC Hunter appealed for any driver with information, or who may have been involved, to call on (01642) 301558