SA Police are appealing for information about the suspected murder of Modbury North man Ian Lees

Police have released new details of the suspected murder of Ian Lees as they appeal to the public for information about the case.

Detectives are hoping to speak to an anonymous person who provided information online to Crime Stoppers on July 28, as well as a person seen searching a reserve with a torch at the north end of Fairleigh Avenue in Modbury North , in Adelaide’s north-east, in the early hours of March 2.

Ian Lees, 53, was last seen near his Modbury North home in March.

His body was later identified from remains found four months later at Hale Conservation Park in Williamstown, about 50km northeast of Adelaide.

Lees left his home around 6pm on February 28 and was last seen in Fairleigh Avenue at around 6pm. 02.40 on 1 March.

Police want to speak to two people seen on CCTV walking south out of the Fairleigh Reserve – at the end of Fairleigh Avenue – at around 1am on the same day.

They also want to speak to another person who was seen on CCTV at around 6pm. 5:40 a.m. on March 2 while searching in the dark with a torch in the area close to where Mr Lee’s backpack, wallet, keys and thongs were located in bushes.

Police released a photo of the belongings as well as a picture of Mr Lees’ blue Jasper heels, which he was regularly seen walking.

On July 28, two days after Mr Lee’s remains were found – but a month before they were publicly identified as his – a person contacted Crime Stoppers via its website with “very specific details” of where his body could be found, said Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said.

“This person’s information is critical to the investigation into Ian’s murder and we are asking this person to come forward and contact the police today,” he said.

“We will have Major Crime detectives available to speak to that person between 5pm and 9pm today.”

Police are also keen to speak to any of Lees’ “large group of friends” who had “knowledge of what was going on in his life before his disappearance or whether he was in conflict with anyone”.

Lee’s funeral was held on Friday and his niece, Grace, said hundreds of people were there to mourn his death.

She described her uncle as a keen Port Adelaide Football Club supporter who loved his dog Jasper and had a wide circle of friends.

“Uncle Ian meant so much to us,” she said.

“He always made everyone laugh.

“As kids we were just in awe of him – just a funny nature, he was a great uncle.

“As a family unit we really miss Ian Lees and would greatly appreciate if there was anyone [who] has any information at all come to the police and help us solve what happened to our uncle.”

Anyone with information can contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.