A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man died following a street brawl in Hartlepool on Saturday night.
Phillip McGibbon was enjoying a family night out when he became involved in the fight on Church Street, close to the junction of Whitby Street.
The 25-year-old, a pipe fitter from Hartlepool, died of head injuries after being rushed to the town's University Hospital.
Four men, all in their 20s and from the Hartlepool area, were today helping police with their inquiries.
A team of 30 policemen, led by Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, are working on the case and were today examining CCTV footage of the brawl, which took place around midnight.
Det Supt Tony Hutchinson said: "We are treating the incident as murder."
He said that Church Street had been busy at the time of the fight and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information should phone the incident room on (01642) 302189.
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