THE family of a man who died after an incident in Stockton have paid tribute to him.

Lee Cooper, 43, died in hospital after suffering serious injuries after the incident on Westbourne Street in Stockton on Sunday, December 23.

Today, his family paid tribute to him: “We can't even put into words how we feel, we're absolutely devastated. Lee was deeply loved by family and all who knew him.

"Our lives as a family will never be the same again. We would appreciate the time to come to terms with our tragic loss.”

Police have charged two men, aged 18 and 39, with murder. 

Two other men aged 20 and 29 who were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm with intent have been released under investigation.