A PUB is in mourning for one of its regulars, whose death is being investigated by police.

A body recovered on the north bank of the River Tees, near Haverton Hill, was identified yesterday as that of loner John Puckrin.

A post mortem examination by Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter established that the 47-year-old had suffered a broken back and severe rib injuries, consistent with a fall from a height, although the cause of death was drowning.

Foul play has been ruled out.

Alex MacDonald, landlord at The Cleveland Hotel, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, said: "We are all shocked.

"We don't know how it happened, but he was a smashing bloke, very happy-go-lucky."

Mr Puckrin was last seen drinking in The Cleveland at 10.30pm on Sunday. His body was found on a river bank at Haverton Hill on Monday.

Detective Sergeant Mark Robson said: "We are keen to establish how he got into the river. Although we are not treating this incident as murder, we are keeping an open mind.''

Detectives want anyone who saw him after he left the pub to call them on (01642) 302233.

Mr Puckrin had shoulder length fair hair and was wearing a brown leather jacket and blue jeans