19 January 2013 Last updated at 09:57 ET

John Roberts murder: football fans leafleted

John Roberts was a football badge seller

Police investigating the murder of a Tyneside man are handing out leaflets to fans ahead of a football match in a bid to trace his killer.

John Roberts was found with head injuries at his home in Winlaton, Gateshead, on 16 December.

The 32-year-old football badge seller had appeared in court on child abduction charges a few days prior to his death.

Officers will be in the city centre ahead of the Newcastle United game.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "The last confirmed sighting of Mr Roberts was around 6:30pm on Saturday 15 December, at the Kandola store on Hazel Road, approximately 400m from where he lived.

"He was wearing a dark green jacket with a hood and jogging bottoms.

"We need to track down and speak to anyone who might have seen Mr Roberts that Saturday evening.

"I'd urge anyone who thinks they saw him perhaps walking back from the shop or anywhere in the area to contact us with any information at all."