DETECTIVES investigating a North-East murder are preparing to make several more arrests after fresh evidence placed five men at the scene.

Julie Smailes, 27, was found stabbed and strangled at her home in Wingrove Terrace, Leadgate, near Consett, County Durham, in October 1996.

Two weeks ago, police named married father-of-three John Thompson as her likely killer, after a DNA breakthrough. But officers have always believed more men were involved.

An appeal for information by Miss Smailes' mother, Joy Gilmour, last month led to a fresh influx of calls to police, all placing Thompson and four other men at the scene.

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading the investigation, said: "From unconnected sources, who have not spoken to us before, we have been able to build up a much clearer picture of the events of that night.

"The men who were at the house told others about what took place. We now have the names of those who were confided in and we will be speaking to them soon."

Advances in DNA technology uncovered microscopic traces of John Thompson's blood on a bloodstained pillow in Julie's bedroom.

His blood was also found on her patio door.

Thompson, 27, killed himself days after the murder of babysitter Rachel Tough, 18, bludgeoned to death with a hammer at his home in Moorside, Consett, in August 1998.

An inquest concluded he had a "direct involvement" in Miss Tough's killing.

Det Supt Stephenson said: "I would urge those inside Julie's house on that fatal night to save themselves the embarrassment of being arrested in front of their family and friends and give themselves up now."

Anyone with information should call Durham police on 0191-386 4929 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.