Kieran WILLIAMS, 18, went missing from his Esplanade West home on 18th April 2022 and extensive enquiries were carried out to locate him.

However six weeks later, his body was sadly found in a make-shift grave on a disused industrial estate south of the River Wear, between the Northern Spire Bridge and Claxheugh Rocks, on 2nd June 2022.

He had been stabbed multiple times and his body set on fire.

Two men were later charged in connection with Kieran’s death and stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where they were both acquitted of murder.

But one of the men, 20-year-old Louis HACKETT, of Fordenbridge Square, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for five years.

However, a judge concluded at the hearing that Kieran’s killer remains at large.

If you are reading this appeal and know something about the circumstances of Kieran's death, please do not delay in contacting police.

Anyone who believes they have been at the site of the grave, formerly owned by Coles Cranes, between 15th April and 2nd June 2022, for a legitimate reason, is also urged to get in touch so they can be eliminated from the investigation.