A 33-year-old man was last night charged with the murder of a disabled man who was found dead in his home.

Keith Jones, from Redcar, will appear before east Cleveland magistrates in Guisborough today. Police did not give his full address last night.

Police said that father-of-two Robert Carter, known to his friends as Jack, had suffered severe head injuries at his home in Sandmoor Road, in New Marske, east Cleveland.

Mr Carter was found by his son on Wednesday morning.

The 62-year-old had been suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) for 30 years and was confined to a wheelchair.

Last night, police appealed for anyone who may have information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Colin Galloway, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a brutal attack on a lovely man. We need to speak to anybody who believes they can help."

Det Insp Galloway told how the body was discovered after a carer could not gain access to the house.

Worried, the carer immediately called her supervisor for assistance.

They contacted Mr Carter's son, who arrived and made the grim discovery in a shower room.

Speaking at a Press conference, Det Insp Galloway said: "This was a very tragic end for a man who has suffered for over 30 years with multiple sclerosis."

He added: "The property was cordoned off and scenes-of-crime officers entered the house."

Mr Carter was last seen alive at about 3pm on Tuesday, at his home.

The former metallurgist for British Steel, who was divorced with a grown-up son and daughter, was a regular at the Mermaid pub, in Marske.

Forensic examiners wearing white boiler suits and protective masks continued their investigations at the scene yesterday.

Blue and white police tape cordoned off the area.

Police officers were making door-to-door inquiries to try to piece together the final moments of Mr Carter's life.

Neighbours paid tribute to Mr Carter last night.

Margaret Pew said: "He was a lovely man and used to go to a day centre as he had MS. His family came to visit him over Christmas.

"He was often seen tending his plants in his garden. We were quite friendly although we didn't really see much of him."

Trevor Greenwood said: "We've only lived here a few years, but I've popped over now and again to do a few jobs for him."

* Police are appealing for anyone who saw or who had contact with Mr Carter since Tuesday to contact them on (01642) 301294.