MURDER squad detectives want to trace five men seen close to where a body was found, half concealed under a pile of logs.

As the parents of battered to death drugs addict Darren Manders appealed for people to help in finding the killers of their son, Detective Superintendent Brian Dunn, who is leading the investigation, said he is eager to speak to the two occupants of a white Nissan Sunny, and to speak to three men seen walking near where Darren's decomposed remains were found.

The body of the father of two was found on July 2, last year, by a dog walker in secluded Starvation Clump, a plantation on the edge of Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough.

Det Supt Dunn said the Nissan Sunny was seen on a track leading to nearby Morton Grange Garm, at about 6.30am on June 6. The thinly built, scruffy driver of the car is aged around 30, is white and had dark brown cropped hair and stubble on his chin.

His passenger, also white, is in his late 30s and of a big build with a large head and short brown "windswept'' hair. He is also described as scruffy with stubble on his chin.

Three men were seen walking along the track leading to the wood where the body was found on June 16. The trio are all white, of medium build, all in their 20s and around five feet, eight inches tall.

Det Supt Dunn said: "This is an isolated spot, although it is regularly used by some exercising their dogs, and people who visit there do tend to stand out - particularly if they are in a vehicle.

"Were the three men, who were seen ten days later, checking on the body? Had they come to ensure it was better covered ? Were they looking for something that may have been left at the scene? We want to know.''

Darren Manders was last seen in the Bow Street area of Middlesbrough - where he lived - on June 5, last year.

His mum, Lesley, said: "What did Darren go through ? He didn't deserve to be beaten and his body hidden in a makeshift grave.''

Anyone with information for the police should ring (01642) 303188 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.