A 17-YEAR-OLD youth has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man found in a North-East pub car park.

Cliff Maidment, 67, died from serious head injuries on Wednesday night in Newcastle General Hospital.

He had spent six days fighting for his life after being found outside the Blue Bell pub, in Fulwell, Sunderland, on the evening of December 8.

Detectives originally said Mr Maidment's injuries, thought to have been caused by a fall, were not being treated as suspicious.

But, following his death, an incident room was set up at Sunderland's Gill Bridge Avenue police station.

The divorcee, who lived alone in Leeds Street, Fulwell, was well known in Sunderland.

Mr Maidment, who once served with the Royal Navy, was often seen in the city centre dressed in shorts and T-shirts and sweatbands around his wrists and head.

When he was found lying injured he was wearing a beige two-piece suit, a collar and tie, brown shoes and carrying his walking stick.

Police confirmed last night that a 17-year-old male from the Fulwell area had been arrested, and is helping with inquiries.

But they are still asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Police believe Mr Maidment was in Sunderland city centre between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on December 8.

They want to speak to anyone in the Blue Bell car park between 9pm and 9.40pm the same day.

Anyone with information on Mr Maidment's last movements is urged to get in touch. To help, call the incident room on 0191-563 6052, or call police on 0191-454 7555.