Police inquiry over the death of man in river

Police have mounted a high-profile investigation into the death of the dementia sufferer who had been reported missing.

Officers are treating the incident as suspicious after a post-mortem examination revealed unexplained injuries on the body of Middlesbrough grandfather James Hodgson.

No details have been released about the nature of his injuries, or how long he had been in the water before he was discovered by the crew of a dredger near the Tarmac Jetty in Tees Dock on Thursday morning.

The divorced 61-year-old father of three was last seen by his carer on Monday at about 10.30am at his home in Monkland Close.

Forty officers have been drafted into the investigation to scour security-camera footage and carry out door-to-door inquiries.

Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, who is leading the investigation, is calling on friends to come forward to help retrace Mr Hodgson's movements since his disappearance.

He said: "It may be these injuries have occurred while he was in the water. It is clearly important that we establish his movements and discover exactly how he came to be in the river.

"There is currently no idea of how long he was in the water, but we need to know when and where he entered the river."

Mr Hodgson, known as either Jim or Howard, was a popular man in the community where he lived and was not believed to have been involved in any arguments or disturbances prior to his disappearance.

Det Supt Hutchinson added: "I am keen to hear from people who have seen James since Monday. I want to hear from people who knew James - what were his habits, did he often go to the river and where would he walk?

"He was well known to people in the area where he lived and a regular visitor to Captain Cook Square, where he often sat reading his newspaper."

An incident room has been set up at police headquarters and a telephone hotline has been opened to receive calls. Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 301333.