POLICE still searching for a murder weapon have used magnets strong enough to lift a car to search toxic mud for a murder weapon.

Two officers from Cleveland Police searched mud at the Middlehaven dock, close to Middlesbrough FC's Riverside Stadium, yesterday.

The search was part of an on-going investigation into the murder of 39-year-old father-of-four Abdul Ghafoor, who was found dead in his home in Teak Street, Middlesbrough, last month.

The area had previously been searched for a hammer, believed to be involved in the killing, but yesterday was the first time the high-powered magnets had been used.

Cleveland Police have said the hammer is important in their case to confirm evidence they already have.

Three flatmates, Malcolm Edwards, 18, Joseph Limon, 22, and Derek Mendum, 20, all of Borough Road, Middlesbrough, have appeared in court charged with Mr Ghafoor's murder.