DETECTIVES investigating the mysterious death of father-of-two Paul Simpson may reconstruct his final minutes for a second time.

A number of people who were in the area of Darlington where Mr Simpson's unconscious body was found by a patrolling policewoman, ten days ago, have already come forward.

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading the investigation, said there had been a positive response to a reconstruction last Sunday.

Mr Simpson had been out with friends on Saturday, March 10, and had left a friend's house at 2.10am on Sunday, March 11, to walk the 400 yards to his home.

Halfway there, the 34-year-old suffered a fracture to the back of his skull, possibly caused by a fall, and had marks to the face suggesting he had been punched. He was found in Askrigg Street, off North Road, at 2.20am.

His family do not believe there had been any intention by an attacker to kill Paul, who lived with his partner Tricia and daughters, Lauren, ten, and Ashleigh, five.

Det Supt Stephenson said: "I hope there is someone out there who has seen something - in fact I am almost certain there is."

Mr Simpson's brother, Geoff, spoke of his belief that the consequences of whatever happened that night had been much worse than was intended - and Det Supt Stephenson said he would not rule out such a possibility.

He urged whoever was involved: "If you've got nothing to hide and it has been a minor incident, please come forward and talk to me."

The second reconstruction could take place this Sunday, with cones and posters used to make drivers slow down and take notice.

Anyone who has information about the incident is urged to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681