A MAN who died from a stab wound had recently survived a crash that killed his friend, The Northern Echo has learned.

Craig Stephenson, 23, suffered a single wound to his chest after a confrontation in Keith Road, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, last week.

In February, he had been a passenger in a car being pursued at high speed by police through the town centre.

It crashed into trees, and 18-year-old Craig Morris, who suffered head injuries, died later in hospital, when his life support machine was switched off.

Mr Stephenson is thought to have been questioned by police after the crash.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission and an external force are carrying out an investigation into the role of Cleveland Police officers in the accident.

On Thursday last week, Mr Stephenson was found lying in a pool of blood on the pavement near his house, following a disturbance.

He was taken to the town's James Cook University Hospital, but died later of his injuries.

Two men have been charged by police in connection with his death.

John Sargeant, 18, of Orpington Road, Park End, Middlesbrough, is accused of murder.

Craig Conway, 21, of Keith Road, Grove Hill, is charged with violent disorder and having an offensive weapon in a public place.

* Police said yesterday that three people, aged 17, 19 and 20, who were also arrested in connection with Mr Stephenson's death, had been released on bail pending further inquiries.