DETECTIVES have confirmed they are investigating the death of a Good Samaritan who died after stepping in to diffuse a fight.
John Lacy, a father of three, suffered a suspected brain haemorrhage and died at Middlesbrough General Hospital on Tuesday.
He died nine days after being attacked during a disturbance at Haughton-le-Skerne Working Men's Club in Darlington.
Witnesses say the pensioner had tried to stop a fracas between guests during a party on May 4.
Today police said they were treating the death as "suspicious".
A spokesman added that a large team of detectives had been assembled to work on the case and appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
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