DETECTIVES are hunting for a teenager after a quiet family man was killed in a city centre fracas as he enjoyed a drink before a boxing match

Former miner John Jobson, from Horden, near Peterlee in County Durham, died in hospital after collapsing in a street in Salford following the incident outside a city centre pub.

The 49-year-old is thought to have been felled by a single punch and banged his head on the pavement.

Police in Manchester were last night hunting for a boy, thought to be as young as 14, in connection with the tragedy at the junction of Chapel and Oldfield Street in Salford.

Mr Jobson was in Manchester with a group of friends to support boxer Anthony Farnell, who was taking part in a WBU International light-middleweight title fight at the city's Velodrome on Friday night.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Dunkin, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Mr Jobson was a respectable family man who had never been involved in any violence.

"He was not a boxing fan but his friends are and he had joined them on the trip to Manchester.

"He has been the victim of an assault and has died as a result of his injuries.

"Mr Jobson and his friends had visited a few pubs in and around Manchester and had been good company."

The group were heading towards the city centre for the boxing match when the assault happened.

Paramedics tried desperately to revive Mr Jobson as he was taken to Hope Hospital, in Salford, where he was pronounced dead.

Four people were arrested following Mr Jobson's death, but they were later released on police bail.

Last night, Mr Jobson's sister Lynne Turner, from Peterlee, said: "He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

"He was liked all over Horden, Peterlee and Hartlepool. I can't get my head round what's happened. He wasn't even a drinker, really.

"His mother is devastated - just like everyone he knew."