AN inquest into the death of a retired publican nine days after breaking up a drunken brawl at a County Durham club was opened yesterday.
John George Lacy, 65, of Fryer Crescent, Darlington, stepped in to diffuse a fight at Haughton le Skerne Working Men's Club on Sunday, May 4.
The married father-of-three suffered a suspected heart attack after the fracas and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital. He was later transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital, after suffering a possible brain haemorrhage, where he died on Tuesday May 13.
A post-mortem examination was carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Neil Cooper and a second examination by a pathologist in Bradford has been ordered to clarify the cause of death.
A statement from Detective Inspector Neil Redhead, who is heading the investigation, confirmed that four local men were on police bail in connection with the death.
Coroner Kenneth Howe, sitting at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court, adjourned the inquest pending the results of the criminal investigation.
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