POLICE have renewed their appeal for evidence in an attempt to conclude a ten-year-old murder investigation and bring closure for the victim’s family.

Darren Manders’ body was discovered partially buried in a wooded area on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, weeks after he was last seen alive on June 5, 2003.

The 31-year-old father of three had sustained fatal head injuries and detectives are determined to solve the murder for the sake of his family.

Every year on July 2, Terry and Lesley Manders return to Starvation Clump near Nunthorpe, south of Middlesbrough, to pay their respects to their son in the hope that one day his killers will be brought to justice.

Detective Superintendent Peter McPhillips said the murder inquiry has never been closed and he hopes that the renewed appeal will prick the conscience of whoever was responsible for the brutal murder.

He said: “The biggest drive for us is to give the family some closure. We do review all unresolved cases every two years to see if there are any fresh leads or new scientific developments to help solve the crime.

“It was acknowledged at the time he had a lifestyle where he was involved in drugs but he was still someone’s son, someone’s father and his youngster son hadn’t even been born when he was murdered.”

Mr Manders had been reported missing after having last been seen near his home in Bow Street, Middlesbrough, and despite two men being arrested in connection with the murder no-one has ever been charged.

The detective said he came from a loving family and leaves behind his three sons, Lee, Jason and Spencer, who was born after the death of his father.

Det Supt McPhillips added: “We don’t know the motivation for the death, it may have been a drug related death but it may not have been.

"I would hope that we will be able to prick the conscience of whoever is responsible for the murder or someone who knows who is responsible and they come forward with fresh information.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Murder Investigation Team at Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.