A MAN found dead in his home with serious head injuries had appeared in court charged with child abduction just days earlier.

The battered body of football fanzine seller John Roberts was found at his home in Park Terrace, Winlaton, near Gateshead, at around 6.15pm on Sunday.

Detectives investigating the death of the 32-year-old say they are treating it as a murder inquiry.

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Roberts, who was well known in the area because of his distinctive appearance, was on Thursday (December 13) when he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court.

He was facing a single charge of abducting a 14-year-old girl, believed to refer to an alleged incident in September.

Mr Roberts did not enter a plea and was granted bail.

Detectives investigating the death said they were keen to speak to anyone who had seen Mr Roberts over the last few days.

Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett said: "The last confirmed sighting of him was on Thursday, December 13, and we need to trace his whereabouts since then.

"We’re keen to speak to anyone who may have see Mr Roberts or spoken to him since Thursday, or anyone with any information that could help us track his movements since he was last seen.

"He’s well known in the local area and quite distinctive looking, due to his long hair and long beard.

"If anyone thinks they may have seen him since Thursday then I’d ask them to contact us.

"We have extra officers in the Winlaton area carrying out inquiries and speaking to residents.

"If anyone has concerns or information they wish to pass on face-to-face to officers, then please speak to them."

Anyone with information is asked to ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.