MYSTERY still surrounds the deaths of two friends found in a smoke-filled car as police renewed their appeals for information last night.

Paul Williams, 38, of Hart Crescent, Blackhall Rocks, near Hartlepool, and his friend Christopher John Howe, 32, of East Street, Blackhall Colliery, were found in an apparent double suicide by another friend at about 7.45am on Thursday.

They had arrived at the friend's house, two doors away from where Mr Howe lived, the previous night, and stayed until about 1am.

The pair, described by police as "family men", left in Mr Howe's white Vauxhall Astra.

When their friend got up to walk his dog later that morning, he found the car had been returned to his back yard. The engine was still running and a hosepipe was attached to its exhaust.

Inside the vehicle, the bodies of the two men could be seen slumped in the front seats.

Mr Howe lived with his wife and young daughter, and is believed to have had children from a previous relationship, while Mr Williams lived with his partner, Victoria Ward, and their two-year-old daughter.

The pair had been friends for several years.

Yesterday, Ms Ward's brother said family members were too upset to talk about the incident.

Detectives have admitted they are baffled but confirmed yesterday they are not treating the deaths as suspicious.

It is understood police have ruled out any link with drugs and the suggestion that the men were having a relationship.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "We understand that both men have had personal problems of late.

"Although the deaths are not being treated as suspicious, we are still keen to hear from anyone who can help trace the movements of the K-registration Astra between 1am and the time it was found in the yard."

A resident of East Street, who did not wish to be named, said there were a number of rumours surrounding the deaths.

She said: "I don't think anyone knows what happened, people are just speculating.

"I didn't know the lads involved and the first I knew was when I got up and saw the street was full of police and ambulance staff."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Peterlee police, on 0191-586 2621.