A MURDER investigtaion was launched following the discovery of Tomasz Dembler's body in woodland on Monday afternoon.

Detectives are trying to trace the last movements of the 39-year-old father-of-one between the middle of March and this week when his body was recovered from Flatts Lane Country Park in Middlesbrough.

TOMASZ DEMBLER

The 39-year-old is a Polish national who has lived in this country for 20 years.

At the time of his disppearance he was living in Middlesbrough but also had connections with the Darlington area.

The Northern Echo: Tomasz DemblerTomasz Dembler

Details of his cause of death have not been revealed by Cleveland Police while the investigation is at a very early stage.

Mr Dembler has family and friends in this country but his mother and his 11-year-old daughter both remain in Poland.

MURDER INVESTIGATION

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King, who is leading the investigtaion, is urging anyone with information to come forward.

The senior officer would not be drawn on details at this early stage in the investigation but urged anyone with information to come forward.

The Northern Echo: DCI Matt Murphy-KingDCI Matt Murphy-King
“This could be anyone’s son, father, brother or partner,” he said. “We believe this was a targeted murder and we need people’s help to find those responsible.
“If you have any information please come forward and help us to catch this man’s murderer for the sake of his family and friends.”

CRIME SCENE

Mr Dembler's body was recovered from woodland near to Middlesbrough's Flatts Lane Country Park after it was discovered by two walkers on Monday afternoon.

The exact circumstances surrounding the discovery have not been disclosed by forensic officers remain on site collecting evidence.

The Northern Echo: Police van and cordon in place in woodland near Flats Lane Country ParkPolice van and cordon in place in woodland near Flats Lane Country Park

The woodland has been cordoned off since Monday afternoon to preserve the scene and a tarpaulin sheet ws put in place while the body was removed.

KEY QUESTIONS

* Did you know Tomasz? If, so we would like to hear from people who specifically spoke to him during March and April.

* Have you seen anything suspicious in or near to Flatts Lane Country Park around the time of March or beyond?

* Do you have dashcam or Private CCTV footage that might show suspicious activity in the area?

* Did you see Tomasz during March or April?

WITNESS APPEAL

Anyone with information can provide it direct to the investigation team through mipp.co.uk and clicking on the Cleveland Police section.

Calls can also be made by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.