A POLICE chief is appealing for an end to a two-year wall of silence surrounding the brutal murder of a drug addict.

The badly decomposed body of 31-year-old Darren Manders was discovered by a dog walker, two years ago today, partly concealed under a pile of logs in Starvation Clump plantation, on the edge of Nunthorpe village, near Middlesbrough.

Mr Manders, known as Duggie, had been beaten to death.

The last sighting of him alive was on Thursday, June 5, in Bow Street, Middlesbrough, where he shared a house with his girlfriend and several other people.

Ahead of today's anniversary, Detective Superintendent Brian Dunn, Cleveland Police's head of crime, urged those holding back information to examine their consciences.

He said: "I am sure there are people who have information that could prove vital to our inquiry, who, for whatever reason have said nothing.

"I would urge anyone with information - no matter how small - to examine their conscience and come forward. They may know of someone who has been bragging about the killing, or suggesting they know things the police don't. We want to know."

He added: "I am also sure that his killer or killers believe they have literally got away with murder. They are wrong. This case remains open and the hunt for those responsible will continue.''

Mr Dunn said friends and associates of Mr Manders may have information they forgot to mention in earlier discussions with the police.

"Perhaps they were frightened, had simply forgotten, or didn't think it important. It is not too late,'' the police chief said. "We want to know. He did not deserve to die the way he did.''

The hunt for the killer or killers was hampered from the early days of the investigation by a wall of silence.

Mr Manders parents, Lesley and Terry, have made impassioned pleas for help, as has Kay Matthews, his girlfriend and mother of his third child, born after the murder was discovered. Mr Manders had two young sons from an earlier relationship.

The killers may have been disturbed before they could entirely conceal the body. There has been speculation that the killing was a punishment beating meted out by a drug dealer owed money, which spiralled out of control.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 301222 or Crimestoppers in confidence 0800 555111.