POLICE are warning witnesses to a North-East murder to expect a knock at the door as their painstaking inquiries continue.

The funeral of David Cutts takes place today and detectives leading the investigation into his death are determined to piece together any vital information from people who were in a bar on the night he was attacked.

In the next few days, detectives intend to speak to a number of people who have already been interviewed about the incident, in an attempt to build up a clearer picture of events.

Father-of-one Mr Cutts, of Nimbus Road, Marton Manor, Middlesbrough, was injured in the early hours of October 15. He died in the town's James Cook University Hospital a few days later.

The 49-year-old is believed to have been involved in an altercation in Benson's bar, in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, before sustaining severe head injuries after tumbling down a flight of stairs in the building.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Paul Richardson said some vital witnesses will be re-interviewed.

He said: "There has been no let-up by my team in the drive to expose the truth and discover how Mr Cutts met his death.

"Witnesses who were at this establishment were initially slow in coming forward, but from the inquiries we have gleaned, we are slowly piecing together what took place."

Mr Cutts' funeral will take place at Middlesbrough Crematorium at 1.15pm today.

A 21-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman arrested in connection with the murder were last month released on police bail. Anyone who can help with the inquiry is asked to call the murder incident room on (01642) 301333.