A 40-STRONG team of police officers yesterday launched an investigation into the death of a 49-year-old taxi driver, whose body was found floating in a dock.

Abdul Rashid, 49, of Southwell Square, Middlesbrough, was discovered by the Dutch captain of P&O ferry the Norsky, in the water at Tees Dock.

A post-mortem examination carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter in the early hours of Tuesday revealed that Mr Rashid had suffered head injuries, but did not establish a cause of death.

Yesterday, Northumbria Police divers found his yellow and black Vauxhall Astra, registration P760 TBE, using special sonar equipment. It was recovered yesterday afternoon.

Mr Rashid, a father-of-four, was last seen early on Monday and his body was discovered 16 hours later. He was reported missing by his family at about 9.30am, on Monday.

Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, of Redcar CID, who is leading the inquiry, said he was keeping an open mind as to how Mr Rashid died, but added that he did not believe it was racially motivated.

"At this moment, I do not know how Abdul came to be in the dock, and our inquiries are concentrating on establishing how and why he came to be there," said Det Supt Hutchinson.

He said that Mr Rashid's family was devastated.

"They are a close family and they are now finding themselves in a very traumatic, grieving situation," said Det Supt Hutchinson.

"A trained family liaison officer is working with the family at this very stressful, traumatic time, and all the inquiries are being conducted in a very compassionate and sensitive way."

He appealed to anyone with information to contact the incident room at Redcar, on (01642) 302690.

"I would also add that if people would prefer to contact leading members of the community who are not connected with the police, they can contact Rina Joel, who works for the Racial Equality Institution, on (01642) 211165, or Angie Linford, community support officer, on (01642) 264539."