TWO people arrested in a murder-style investigation into the death of a North-East man have been released on police bail.

The man and woman, aged 34 and 32 respectively, were questioned by police after Darlington man Maurice 'Wayne' Shotton died following a fracas in one of the town's bars.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the events in the Tap and Spile in Bondgate on Saturday night.

Forty-five year-old Mr Shotton, a father of two adult sons, had been drinking in the pub with his wife, Jane, before the incident occurred at around 11.40pm.

An argument is believed to have broken out in the pub which spilled outside the building.

Mr Shotton, who lived in Berkeley Road in the town, was punched in the head and fell down unconscious.

Despite paramedics' attempts to resuscitate him he later died.

A post-mortem revealed he had died of a brain haemmorhage.

A Durham police spokesman confirmed last night that two people arrested following the incident were released on bail pending further enquiries yesterday afternoon.

Police have spoke to several witnesses but are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the argument at the bar.

Last night, Mrs Shotton said: "This has devastated our lives.

"We just want to see justice done and be left alone to grieve."

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