POLICE are today continuing their hunt for a North-East man wanted in connection with the death of a 28-year-old married father of one.

Neil Paul Jones' body was discovered in the early hours of Thursday morning and four people have so far been arrested in connection with his death.

Police are still hunting a man who fled the house, on West Chilton Terrace, Chilton, County Durham.

He is thought to have assaulted Mr Jones before he died. Police with dogs and off-road vehicles searched a plantation on the outskirts of Chilton yesterday but drew a blank.

The wanted man is not thought to pose a risk to the public and there have been several reported sightings.

Two further people have been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting a criminal and released on police bail.

Detective Superintendent, Neil Malkin, who is heading the investigation said the exact cause of Mr Jones' death remains unknown. He said that while Mr Jones had been assaulted before he died a post mortem had proved inconclusive and tests are still being carried out.

Mr Jones, 28, is married with a four-year-old child. He was from Bedfordshire but was in the area visiting relatives.

Four people, three men and a woman aged between 24 and 31, were in the house on Thursday and arrested early Friday morning then released on police bail late that night.

Neighbours reported hearing arguments from within the house a couple of hours before the incident.

The hunt for a fourth man saw armed officers raid several homes in and around Chilton, including Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe.

Paramedics were called to the house on Thursday night but attempts to revive Mr Jones failed and he died in a downstairs room.

The forensic examination of the terraced house is continuing and more than 30 officers are currently involved in the wider investigation.

Detective superintendent Malkin said: "We know there was an altercation in the house in West Chilton Terrace that may have been linked to some sort of party that was taking place in nearby Dene Terrace.

"The key to this investigation lies within these two streets.

"There are people living there who know exactly what has gone on and who is responsible and we would urge them to speak to us.

"A man has died and it is totally irresponsible for anyone to withhold information."

Anyone with information can also call police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.