AN investigation has begun into the death of a man whose body was discovered by two teenagers.

Detectives are trying to discover the last movements of Dean Timms, 23, whose body was found shortly after 7pm last Saturday, a few streets away from his home in Perkinsville, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham. He was found in long grass beside a track linking Gairloch Drive and the Drum Lane industrial estate.

Police say there were no marks on his body, or anything to suggest his death was suspicious, but the exact cause of his death remains a mystery.

A Home Office pathologist, Dr Nigel Cooper, is still waiting for the results of toxicology tests after a post-mortem examination.

Mr Timms, 23, who was unemployed, lived with his grandmother in Conway Place, Perkins-ville, and was well-known in the area. He was last seen alive the previous morning. It is believed he suffered from depression.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Donnelly, who is leading the investigation from Durham Police headquarters, said: "We would like to find out where he was between the time he was last seen until the body was found. His clothing was clean, suggesting he had not been out all night. He and his family are well known in the area and we would like to hear from anyone who saw him between Friday morning and Saturday night."

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Sgt Donnelly on 0191-386 4929 ext 2586.