A MURDER inquiry was launched yesterday after the death of a man who was found unconscious in the street.

Mark Connorton, 37, from Marske, east Cleveland, died in hospital after fighting for his life for more than a week and police are appealing for more information.

The divorced father-of-one suffered severe head injuries after being attacked in King Street, Redcar, in the early hours of Sunday, June 8.

It is understood the information technology consultant never regained consciousness. He died in Middlesbrough General Hospital on Tuesday.

His mother, Olive Connorton, also of Marske, paid tribute to her son yesterday.

She said: "Mark was a lovely son, a good dad and very nice man. He will be very badly missed by so many people."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "The police investigation has now become a murder inquiry."

A man has appeared in court on charges relating to the attack. However, police are trying to trace a second man and people who may have been in the area before Mr Connorton was found at about 3am.

The force has produced posters appealing for information.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 302626 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

l Ronald Stocks, 37, of Aintree Road, Redcar, has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm. He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, July 10.