Police were trying yesterday to trace a soldier who may hold vital clues about the death of a mother-of-four.

The body of former teacher Debra McNicholas was found on a beach, near a children's play area and paddling pool, in Redcar, east Cleveland, a fortnight ago.

A post-mortem examination revealed that she had drowned, but had also suffered injuries consistent with a fall or an assault.

Detectives, who are treating the death as suspicious, want to track down a man in military uniform seen talking to Mrs McNicholas, 44, earlier this year.

He is said to be in his late 20s with short, dark hair, and of smart appearance. The pair were seen together on The Stray, a grassed area next to the coast road, in Redcar.

The man was wearing a khaki soldier's uniform with a black or blue beret pushed through the epaulette on his shoulder.

Detective Inspector Gordon Lang of Cleveland Police said: "We are building up a picture of her lifestyle and the people she knew. She was a woman with a wide circle of friends and was well-known in the Redcar area.

"We know she left her home at about 11pm on the night of Saturday, September 15. Her body was found at 7am the following day on the beach.

"It is vital we piece together what happened and who she was with after 11pm. Many people have come forward but we have had no word from this military man who could provide valuable help for our inquiries.''