Murder probe continues into death of '˜gentle giant' David Wilson

David Wilson, 49, who was found dead at his home in Southwick Road on December 14, 2014.

David Wilson, 49, originally from Hetton, was found dead at his Southwick flat on December 14, 2014.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains on bail.

The area in Southwick sealed off by officers following David Wilson's death.

At a pre-inquest review held at Sunderland Civic Centre, coroner Derek Winter said he would hold back from holding a full hearing as police inquiries are ongoing.

He said: “On January 7, a case review was held and from that date, I have been made aware that lines of police inquiry are still very much active.

“In these circumstances I do not wish to proceed to close the inquest.

“I make a further decision so that I do not prejudice these police inquiries and I adjourn matters for a further review.”

This still has been issued by police investigating David Wilson's murder.

As part of their inquiry, detectives have released a tape of a man who called police from outside The Halfway House pub, a short distance from Mr Wilson’s home.

In the call, made at 4.41am on the day the grandfather-of-two was found, the man said his lift had fallen through and he needed to be taken to Gateshead.

The officers have also asked for help to identify a man in a red bobble hat seen carrying out a robbery  at an ATM in Southwick Green between 4.09am and 4.17am.

Mr Wilson, described as a “gentle giant” by his family, had moved to Southwick Road weeks before his death and had also lived in Sunderland city centre.

The inquest review hearing is scheduled for June 9.