THE officer leading a hunt to find the murderer of a paedophile said yesterday there was nothing to suggest he had re-offended again despite sightings of youngsters entering his house.

Detective Superintendent Brian Dunn said he had received information young girls had started visiting Arnold Hartley's home in Queen Street, Redcar, over the past three to four months.

The 73-year-old was jailed in August 2001 at Teesside Crown Court for making indecent pictures and for gross indecency. He was released from prison in April last year, and put on the sex register as a medium risk.

His body was found on Saturday night after police were called to his home address following a disturbance. He had been beaten and suffered injuries to his head and face.

Det Supt Dunn said: "We have information children were starting to revisit Queen Street and that is part of our lines of enquiry.

"However, at this stage we can't give any more information."

Police officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area where the pensioner was discovered, and despite an extensive appeal are disappointed with the number of people who have come forward.

Det Supt Dunn urged people to put their prejudices to one side and help in the hunt for the killer.

He is now re-appealing for anyone who may have been in the Queen Street area between 12am and 3am on Saturday.

Det Supt Dunn said: "I would like to think it was not a vigilante attack. No one has any right to enter someone's home and kill them.

"We have to remember a 73-year-old man has been murdered. The fact he was a sex offender disturbed people, but we can not let people be murdered in their own home."

There had been a history of people harassing Mr Hartley with his house and car targeted.

Two people were arrested and charged in connection with the attacks, although Mr Hartley did not press charges.

Police confirmed yesterday they were not the same two people who had been questioned over the murder, and later released. Anyone with any information is asked to contact (01642) 302626.