A MYSTERY man who may have unwittingly walked within a few feet of a body last week is being urged to contact police.

Security cameras in Coundon have picked up the image of a man walking near the back garden of the Miner's Arms, in Collingwood Street, where 37-year-old Gary Walton's body was found early on the morning of Monday, July 17.

Detectives believe the father-of-two, who lived a few hundred yards from the pub, was attacked in the garden sometime after 1am. He had been drinking in the village the previous night. He was found soon after 7am by police responding to a 999 call. He had severe head injuries.

The unknown man was spotted by cameras at Coundon Working Men's Club about 4am the same morning. He was walking from the direction of the club towards Collingwood Street that would have taken him past the back of the Miner's Arms.

Det Supt Tom Ryan, who is leading the inquiry, said:"If the man had continued in his direction of travel he would have walked within 15 feet of where Mr Walton was lying."

He said: "He might not have seen the body because of a fence which is more than 6ft high but there is still evidence he could be able to give us information which may be important to our investigation."

The man is described as white, balding and stockily built and is thought to be between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 10ins tall. He is urged to contact the police incident room at Bishop Auckland police station on (01388) 603566.

Christopher McGrath, known as Christy, was charged with murdering Mr Walton and appeared in court last Wednesday. He was remanded in custody for a week and was due to reappear yesterday. The Irish-born trainee jockey had worked for County Durham trainer Norman Mason and gave his address at Brancepeth Manor Farm, Brancepeth Village.