A good Samaritan who left a touching tribute to a Stockton murder victim is being sought by police.

It is believed a woman was responsible for leaving a small bunch of flowers on the doorstep of the house in Stockton where Robert Parkin, better known to many in the town as Swampy, was found dead.

The 29-year-old drug addict had suffered a number of severe beatings before his body was found lying in a makeshift bed in the kitchen of a flat in Shaftsbury Avenue on May 9.

Taped to the wrappings around the flowers was a note, written with a blue pen on a piece of white paper, which read: "In remembrance of Robert. I'm glad I helped you that day when no one else did. RIP."

Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite who is heading the inquiry, said: "This is a person who clearly helped Robert in the days leading up to his death.

"I think it is a woman, and if so, she showed sympathy and compassion for a man who was scorned and abused by many. She was the Good Samaritan who, it would appear, provided a kindness to him in the last days of his life.

"It may even have related to events on the day of his death. For whatever reason this person has not made contact with us and we would very much like to speak to her."

The Good Samaritan is urged to call the incident room at Stockton Police Station on (01642) 302390 or a confidential hotline on 07771 771314.

* Brian Lancaster, 32, of no fixed address, and Steven Small, 33, of Holburn Park, Stockton, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday are accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Parkin on May 4 and of murdering him four days later.

Both men were were remanded in custody pending a further hearing.