THE mother of a young North-East man killed in a street brawl on Saturday, was today due to scoop an award for services to a local neighbourhood watch scheme.

A murder investigation was launched yesterday after the death of Phillip McGibbon, 25, who was killed when he became involved in a fight in Hartlepool on a family night out.

In a twist of fate, his mother had been nominated by Hartlepool Police for a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator of the Year award, for her services to the Throston Grange residents' association.

Her son, a pipe fitter who lived in the Throston Grange region with his girlfriend, was drinking in pubs in the Church Street area of Hartlepool with his father, mother and brother, before his death.

He became involved in the brawl just after midnight and was rushed to the University Hospital of Hartlepool, but died of severe head injuries in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Four people, all in their 20s and from the Hartlepool area, were yesterday helping police with their inquiries.

Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, who is leading the investigation, said: "Phillip was enjoying a night out with members of his family when he became involved in a dispute.

"During the course of the dispute he was knocked to the ground and kicked in the head a number of times.

"We are treating this incident as murder."

A murder incident room has been set up and a team of 30 officers are working on the investigation.

Mrs McGibbon is not expected to collect her award today.

Anyone with information about the death should phone the incident room in confidence on (01642) 302189.