A WITNESS who could hold vital information to a New Year's Day murder has been urged to come forward.

John James Wells, 55, of Doncaster Road, Sandyford, Newcastle, died from a single stab wound to the neck.

He was last seen alive at 8.35pm on Thursday, when he walked into the Punch Bowl pub in Jesmond Road to buy bottles of beer over the counter before taking them away.

His body was found by two passers-by 15 minutes later in Goldspink Lane. A trail of blood led from a pelican crossing 70 yards away near the junction with Jesmond Road and police believe the victim had staggered along the road looking for help.

An ambulance was called but he was pronounced dead on arrival at Newcastle General Hospital.

Detectives said last night they needed to speak to a man who passed along the road shortly before his death.

Detective Superintendent Steve Bolam, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are continuing to build a picture of the victim and people that were in the area at the time.

"As a result of our inquiries, we have a description of a man who as in the area and has a fairly distinctive appearance.

"We believe he may have seen something which could help us and we urge him to come forward."

The man was aged about 23, 5ft 6in tall, with dark hair that covered his ears and might have had a thin, wispy beard.

He was wearing round-rimmed glasses, a hat, jeans and a dark blue jacket.

Officers have set up a mobile police station near the murder scene. They are particularly keen to hear from residents who saw anyone hanging around the area at the time of unemployed Mr Wells' murder.

Anyone with information can contact police at the mobile station, or ring the incident room on 0191-214 6555, extension 62833