DETECTIVES investigating the death of a North-East woman believe that local fishermen may have vital information.

The body of 44-year-old former teacher Debra McNicholas was found on the beach at Redcar, East Cleveland, early on Sunday morning.

Police think that fishermen may hold clues that might help them in their enquiry.

A post-mortem examination showed that Mrs McNicholas, a mother-of-four, had drowned, but there were also injuries on her body which suggested she may have been assaulted.

Yesterday, officers investigating her death turned their attentions to trying to find the coat they believe Mrs McNicholas was wearing on the night she died.

The coat is described as a full-length dark blue Marks and Spencer raincoat with a tie belt.

Despite a search by officers along a stretch of coast from the South Gare, in Redcar, to Huntcliff, in Saltburn, the coat has still not been found washed up.

Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, who is leading the investigation, said: "There has been a couple of fishermen who have come forward and spoken to us already in connection with the inquiry.

"However, I believe there may be others who may have been fishing late on Saturday night or early on Sunday morning who have not got in touch.

"I am particularly keen to locate Debra's coat, and if anyone does find it, they should contact the incident room at Redcar police station on (01642) 302690.