MURDER squad detectives hunting the killer of drugs tycoon Peter Beaumont-Gowling are trying to trace two men seen in the area on the day of the murder.

Detective Superintendent Derek Storey, who is heading the inquiry, said the men were seen in an alley behind Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle, on the afternoon of St Valentine's Day.

The 52-year-old former owner of Perry's Nightclub, now Club 2K, in Darlington, was gunned down in his flat three weeks ago.

Mr Storey said: "Workmen repairing a roof at the rear of Osborne Road saw two men behind Mr Gowling's flat.

"The men were seen at about 2.30pm that Wednesday, walking in the back lane of Osborne Road in the direction of Acorn Road shops.

"This could be significant as Mr Beaumont-Gowling was last seen at 1.55pm, walking towards St George's Street from Acorn Road.

"They may have been there for entirely innocent reasons. I can assure them they can come forward in the strictest of confidence, so they can be eliminated from the inquiry."

They were described as being 18 to 20 years old. One had cropped dark hair, and was of medium build and clean shaven. He wore a dark track suit or shell suit with a motif, and light-coloured trainers.

The second man was about the same height and build and wore a light-coloured fleece or padded top and white trainers.

Mr Beaumont-Gowling had been released from prison three weeks earlier after serving less than six years of an 11-year sentence for laundering millions of pounds of drugs money.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact 0191-214 6555, extension 62501 or 62509.