VILLAGERS were faced with their second gruesome killing in three years this week when the body of a father-of-two was found lying in a pool of blood in a pub garden.

Police believe former Newcastle footballer Gary Walton, 37, was attacked in the early hours of Monday morning behind the Miner's Arms, near his home in Collingwood Street, Coundon.

Mr Walton lived with his wife Susan and their two daughters Laura, aged 11, and eight-year-old Kara, who both go to Coundon Primary School.

Det Supt Tom Ryan appealed for anyone who was in the area early on Monday to call (01388) 603566.

As the Advertiser went to press, a man was being questioned by police.

In September 1997 mother-of-three Sharon Metcalfe was stabbed 65 times in her home near the pub.