DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a man in a possible racial attack have again appealed for help in piecing together his final moments.

Lee Phipps suffered a number of stab wounds, including one through the heart, in an attack on Thursday, March 2.

The 31-year-old was found slumped on the doorstep of a house in Cleadon Hill Road, in South Shields, South Tyneside, where police believe he was trying to raise the alarm.

Mr Phipps lived with his 53-year-old mother, Barbara Yusuf-Porter, who is of Somali descent. Both had made a number of complaints to police over previous racist abuse and had CCTV cameras fitted at their home in King George Road in the town.

Police are investigating any racial motive in the killing, but have not ruled out other motives, such as robbery.

On the afternoon of his death, Mr Phipps left his home shortly after 4.15pm to take photographs of nearby hills and spoke to his mother by mobile phone at 4.29pm - 50 minutes before his body was discovered.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade said: "We think it very probable that Lee was stabbed shortly after he took that call. Although we think we know which route Lee travelled, we still haven't been able to locate precisely where he was when he was attacked.

"There must have been a lot more people about who still haven't come forward and it's vital that they do so.

"We want to speak to anyone who may have seen Lee on this route and anyone who saw anything, however insignificant they think it may be.

"We have traced some people, including a jogger seen in the area, and have been able to eliminate them from the inquiry."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-454 7555 ext 65085 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.