DETECTIVES investigating the death of a man outside a busy pub are awaiting the results of post mortem tests.

Police have also reissued an appeal to a potential key witness who may have seen events in the Tap and Spile pub, in Darlington, before Maurice Shotton, known as Wayne, died.

The father-of-two died on Saturday night following a fracas outside the pub, in Bondgate.

Mr Shotton had been drinking in the pub with his wife, Jane, before the incident took place at about 11.40pm.

The argument is believed to have started inside the pub. When bouncers asked Mr Shotton and two other people to leave, it spilled out onto the street.

There he was punched in the head and fell down unconscious.

Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him. A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Shotton died of a brain haemorrhage.

Police are now waiting for further tests.

They also want to speak to one witness in particular, a woman in her 40s. She was petite and white, with shoulder-length, blonde hair.

Police believe she may have been near the bar when the argument broke out. They hope she may have information about what was said between the three people.

She or any other witnesses can call Police on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

* A 34-year-old man and 32-year-old woman, who were arrested in connection with the death, have since been released on police bail.