A MURDER-STYLE investigation has been launched after a man died when a row at the bar of a busy town centre pub spilled out into the street.

A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday night after 45-year-old Maurice Shotton, known as Wayne, died outside the Tap and Spile pub, in Bondgate, Darlington.

Mr Shotton had been with his wife all day and they were drinking together before the incident.

It is alleged that a fight started inside the pub at about 11.40pm on Saturday, while it was packed with drinkers, some celebrating an engagement party, before spilling out into the street.

Detectives believe Mr Shotton became involved in a dispute at the bar. He and two other people were asked to leave by doorstaff.

The argument continued in the street close to the front door of the pub, and it is alleged Mr Shotton received a blow to the head which caused him to fall to the ground.

An ambulance was called to the scene. Paramedics tried to revive Mr Shotton, but he died shortly after their arrival.

A post-mortem examination, carried out yesterday afternoon, found he died from a brain haemorrhage. Further tests are due to be carried out.

A police cordon was placed around the scene on Saturday night and was still in place yesterday morning.

Passers-by watching yesterday's police operation were shocked by the events.

One described it as "frightening", while a Belgian visitor, who had been at the town's beer festival, described what happened as "awful". Mr Shotton worked at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, as a chef for a catering company. He previously worked at the Burtree Inn, near Darlington.

He was a Newcastle United season ticket holder, but had been to Darlington's home game with Lincoln City, on Saturday, with his second wife, Jane, who he married seven years ago.

They stayed in the town after the game.

Drinkers at Hogans, in Victoria Road, said Mr Shotton was a regular.

He visited the pub, which is near the main railway station, before taking the train to watch Newcastle United games.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Harker said last night: "The pub was very busy on Saturday night and we have already managed to speak to a large number of customers.

"Over the next few days, we are also going to study in detail the footage recorded on the CCTV cameras in the street."

He said detectives were anxious to speak to one witness in particular, a woman in her 40s.

She was petite and white, with shoulder-length, blonde hair.

She is believed to have been near the bar when the argument broke out and police believe she may have information about what passed between the three people involved in the incident.

A 32-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were arrested at the scene and were questioned by police. They remained in custody last night.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident to come forward. They would also like to speak to anyone who saw the events leading up to the death of Mr Shotton.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.