DETECTIVES investigating the death of a woman whose body was found on a popular stretch of North-East coastline have appealed to local fishermen for help.

Police are baffled by the discovery of the body of former teacher Debra McNicholas, 44, near the paddling pool at Redcar, east Cleveland, at 7am on Sunday.

A post-mortem examination revealed the mother-of -four had drowned, but detectives are treating the death as suspicious because injuries consistent with an assault or a fall were found on her body.

Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite said officers were liasing with members of Mrs McNicholas' family and house-to-house inquiries were continuing. They have ruled out one possible sighting of Mrs McNicholas.

Det Supt Braithwaite said: "I am anxious to speak to anyone who was fishing along the stretch of coastline on Sunday morning between the Stray, between Redcar and Marske, and Redcar town centre.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Redcar police on (01642) 302690.