A MAN is being quizzed by detectives about a man's death, following an incident at a North-East bar.

David Cutts, 49, fell or was pushed down a flight of stairs after being involved in a fight at Benson's Bar, in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, at the weekend.

He was taken in a coma to the town's James Cook University Hospital, just after 1am on Sunday, where relatives gave doctors permission to switch off his life support machine.

Cleveland Police revealed yesterday that an unnamed 21-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was being held at Middlesbrough Police Station.

Acting Detective Inspector Paul Richardson said: "In addition to this person, we are concentrating our efforts in speaking to all the staff employed at Benson's Bar, who were working on the night David received his fatal injuries. We know from the people we have traced so far that there was a large number of people in the upstairs bar area of the club.

"But to date, the response to my appeal for them to come forward appears to have fallen on deaf ears. I would appeal to them, once again, to search their consciences and speak to us.''

Mr Richardson said witnesses could ring him in the strictest confidence on (01642) 301333.

Police had been called to a report of a fight on the dance floor at 1.16am on Sunday morning - nine minutes after the ambulance arrived to tend to the injured man.

The detective said it was imperative that people in the club on Saturday night and early Sunday came forward.

Mr Richardson said: "We want to hear from anyone that was there who saw any disturbance, particularly any incident on the stairs."