Detectives hunting the killers of a family man who was found dead in a field are looking for three men who may have vital evidence.

The potential witnesses were captured on CCTV walking past Robin Chard, 47, as he made his way home from the Heworth Metro station in Gateshead at 11.30pm on Friday.

It was about 200 yards away from a field in Abbotsford Road, where Mr Chard, 47, of Corrofell Gardens, Felling, was found dead at 8am on Saturday.

Police are keeping an open mind about the motive, but believe he may have been targeted by muggers.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade said Mr Chard, who is survived by his wife Angie and children Garry, 26, Joanne 28, had been out for the evening in Newcastle with two friends.

He bought a rail ticket at the Haymarket Metro Station at 11.14pm and arrived at Heworth Metro Station at 11.27pm.

He was captured on CCTV walking down the ramp at 11.28pm, where he passed the three men.

Det Supt Wade said: "We are asking these men to come forward.

"We believe they are crucial witnesses and may have been the last people to have seen him before he was attacked."

He added, police would have the digital images enhanced.

The three men all had dark hair. The first man had dark clothing, was of medium build with dark shoes.

The second man was of stockier build and slightly taller. He was wearing a horizontally-striped, long-sleeved, round-necked top with light and dark stripes.

The third man was wearing a short-sleeved dark-coloured t-shirt with a large lighter coloured logo, as well as jeans and light shoes.

Two young men aged 17 and 15 were arrested and later released on police bail, pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 0191-454 7555 ext 64148.