TWO men arrested after a woman's body was found at the bottom of a flight of stairs have been released by police.

The men aged 57 and 43 were taken into custody following the discovery at about 4.50am on Friday morning.

Forensic experts cordoned off and searched a property on Rium Terrace in Hartlepool which had been converted into two flats.

The Northern Echo understands the body was discovered at the bottom of stairs between the two homes.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said today that both men had been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

He added that he did not expect the womans identity and results from the postmortem relating to the cause of death to be released until tomorrow.

One of the men questioned is believed to be Lawrence Martin, 57, who is a well-known character in his home town because of his habit of dressing in his late mothers clothes at football matches.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01429-302178 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.