THE partner of a man found dead in his home told last night of her heartbreak.

Fighting back tears, Gail Fitzpatrick said the sudden death of Leonard Tearney, her partner of 13 years, had come as a massive shock.

Mr Tearney was found slumped at the top of the stairs in his home in Denbigh Road, Billingham, Teesside, yesterday by Ms Fitzpatrick's two teenagers.

On Saturday night, he had been involved in a fight outside the nearby Telstar Pub, when he had struck his head on a kerb.

Police are treating the death as suspicious and yesterday the house was sealed off by officers, while forensic experts were called to the scene .

Ms Fitzpatrick said: "Leonard was involved in a fight on Saturday and suffered head injuries. The police believe this may have caused his death and that is why they are treating it as suspicious.

"His death did come as a massive shock. It is killing me. It was awful as he was found by my 13 and 17-year-olds."

Mr Tearney had complained of feeling unwell after the fight and was due to attend hospital for treatment, but decided not to as it was his friend's birthday.

The 35-year-old, who was unemployed, had lived in Billingham all his life.

Ms Fitzpatrick said he would be missed by all who knew him.

Last night a police spokeswoman said the coroner had been informed and a post-mortem examination would be carried out this morning.