Kalvant Singh died because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, police said last night.

Stallholder Mr Singh was described as a loving father by Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, who confirmed that the 41-year-old, who plunged to his death through the upstairs window of a Middlesbrough brothel, was killed.

Jobless builder Michael Moody was admitted to hospital after the attack with severe facial injuries.

Mr Moody, who is in intensive care at Middlesbrough General Hospital, was slashed across his face when he was attacked in his home in Errol Street, central Middlesbrough.

Police revealed yesterday that a weapon was used in the attack, and there were "several'' assailants.

"From inquiries we have made into the background of Mr Singh, a 41-year-old market trader, it is clear he was a family man and loving father,'' said Det Supt Braithwaite, the joint head of a murder squad.

"It would appear he went to the house in Errol Street during the early hours of Monday morning, and just happened to be there when the address was visited by those who carried out the assault.

"I am satisfied that both he and Michael Moody, the tenant of the house where Mr Singh's body was found last Monday, were the victims of an assault by others."

He urged those who know what happened to contact Middlesbrough police, on (01642) 303188, or his confidential line, 0779 9773851.

l A 41-year-old Middlesbrough man has been arrested and was helping police with inquiries last night.