Detectives investigating the mysterious disappearance of a former miner more than three years ago have this morning arrested a man on suspicion of murder.

A 41-year-old Sacriston man was this morning arrested on suspicion of the murder of 53-year-old Eddie Donnelly, who disappeared from his home in the County Durham village in March 2002.

The suspect is to be questioned later today at Durham City police station.

Two women were also arrested in the former pit village this morning on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The pair, one aged 65 and the other in her late 30s, are being held at Spennymoor Police Station.

Since his disappearance, police have searched a number of sites in the Sacriston area, including a number of disused pit shafts, but Mr Donnelly's body has never been found.