A MOTHER appealed for help last night in trying to piece together the last few hours of her son's life.

June Gibson last saw her son, Lee Haymer, on Saturday morning when he was fit and well. Less than 12 hours later, passers-by found him dying on a footpath in Darlington.

Friends have helped police trace the 23-year-old's movements until about 6pm, but are now trying to discover where he was for the next four-and-a half hours.

Two women found Lee, of Dickinson Street, Darlington, lying face down on the pavement in St Cuthbert's Way, at 10.30pm.

One of the women was a trainee nurse and they both fought to save his life.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Jones said: "He appeared to have collapsed and they tried to resuscitate him. There was a faint pulse and an ambulance was called.

"But within the hour he was certified dead at Darlington Memorial Hospital. It's come as a tremendous shock to his family."

Mrs Gibson said the whole family had been stunned by Lee's death. She said she would always be grateful to the two women who fought to save his life.

"I want to thank those ladies very much, all of us do," she said.

Lee, who was born in the town, was a former pupil of Eastbourne School, and worked for Orange at one of its call centres in Yarm Road.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out and police say the results confirm there is nothing suspicious about the death.

Officers are anxious to build up a clear picture of Lee's last movements for the inquest which will be held into the death.

Anyone who has any information on his whereabouts, between 6pm and 10.30pm on Saturday, should contact police on (01325) 467681