POLICE investigating the death of a father shot dead at his office desk have made a fresh appeal for information three years on.

Businessman Stephen Sweeney's body was found by his partner and seven-year-old daughter at his Gateshead upholstery factory on the night of July 8, 1998.

And last night detectives said the probe was still very much active and they remain desperate for information about the murder.

Detectives believe the 45-year-old fitness fanatic from Hebburn was shot at close range with a handgun.

The shooting happened on the evening of the football World Cup semi-final between France and Croatia.

He was last seen alive by colleagues at 5.10pm and his body was found shortly after 9pm.

It was revealed that a previous company owned by Mr Sweeney, CAS Upholstery, went into voluntary liquidation owing £402,000.

His debts included £46,000 to the tax man, £18,000 to Customs and Excise, £16,000 to the Department of Social Security and £11,000 to a Durham foam company.

Dozens of pedestrians were questioned along with passengers on a nearby bus route - without luck.

The investigation centred on Mr Sweeney's last known movements, activity near the factory on the day of the murder and tracing possible business and other associates.

Detectives at a newly-created incident room at Police Headquarters in Ponteland, are continuing the inquiry.

Details are now being processed on Holmes 11, the new Home Office serious crime recording log, and a new telephone number to receive confidential information has been set up.

During the course of the investigation officers have travelled to Amsterdam and plan to follow up another potential lead in Spain.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Rowley, who has worked on the inquiry since the outset, said last night: "The investigation is still active and we're still interested in hearing from anyone who may have information which can lead us to the persons or persons who killed Stephen Sweeney.

"They can speak to us in complete confidence, and we will protect any witnesses if necessary."

DCI Rowley said Mr Sweeney had a clean record but was know to have associates from the criminal fraternity.

Updated : 17:45, Thursday 5th July