POLICE investigating the murder of South Shields man David Rice are trying to trace an orange van which was used as a getaway vehicle.

Father-of-seven Mr Rice, 38, a convicted drug dealer, was shot in his car at Marsden Grotto, near South Shields, last week.

Detectives believe an orange Ford Transit van, possibly with writing on the side stating Motorway Service or Motorway Maintenance, was parked on Lizard Lane, by the entrance to Marsden Hall, from around 3.20pm on Wednesday.

The men who attacked Mr Rice abandoned their black Ford Mondeo shortly after 4pm in Lizard Lane then ran about 50 yards towards the van, which was then driven south towards Sunderland. The van has not been found.

The Mondeo was not stolen, but was sold in the Kent area in March and records show it had no current owner. The car, registration number R547 FGK, had been in the South Shields area since May 21, in and around Spohr Terrace.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin, who is leading the inquiry, said: "The van was parked just near the golf club on Lizard Lane and people heading for a game of golf may have noticed it parked there.

"There were also a couple of buses travelling along Lizard Lane around the time of the incident so we would appeal to any passengers who may have seen the Mondeo or the van."

Three men and a woman have been arrested and released on bail.

Any witnesses are asked to contact 0191-454 7555 extensions 66323 or 66320.