PLAIN clothed and uniformed police officers took to the streets yesterday to try and find a new lead in a murder inquiry.

The officers questioned members of the public in the Jesmond area of Newcastle a month to day since Peter Beaumont-Gowling was found dead after being shot in his luxury home.

Mr Beaumont-Gowling, who was 52 and hailed from Trimdon, in County Durham, was found at Osborne Road, in Jesmond on Valentine's night, February 14.

The former Darlington businessman had been released from prison after serving four years of an 11-year sentence for his part in laundering £2.5m, and police suspect his murder was a gangland hit.

Police targeted Osborne Road, Sanderson Road and Acorn Road. They asked members of public if they had seen anything suspicious between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on February 14.

Investigating officer, Detective superintendent Derek Storey said: "We need to build up as clear a picture as possible."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Newcastle CID on 0191-214 6555 extension 62501 or extension 62512.