THREE members of the same family are helping police with their inquiries after the discovery of a man's body.

Detectives are treating the death of Alan Johnson as suspicious. He was found slumped at the bottom of the stairs in his flat in Eshwood Square, Middlesbrough.

An ambulance was called to the 58-year-old's address by one of the people in custody at about 6.30pm on Monday.

Paramedics were unable to revive the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

About 30 officers are trying to piece together Mr Johnson's movements in the hours leading up to his death, but have given no details about his injuries.

Detectives are also carrying out door-to-door inquiries to learn what they can about Mr Johnson's lifestyle. The two-storey building was sealed off yesterday while scenes-of-crimes officers spent the day searching for evidence.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Stan Drummond, said it was believed the dead man spent the afternoon drinking in the town with his family. A post-mortem examination was carried out by a Home Office pathologist on Monday night. Mr Johnson was married with children.

Neighbours knew little about the social life of the dead man, who is believed to have lived at the address for about two years.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I never heard anything. The first I knew anything was happening was when the ambulance arrived.

"I didn't really know the man. He seemed to keep himself to himself, but there was always a few people coming and going all the time."

Det Insp Drummond said: "Three members of Mr Johnson's immediate family are currently helping us with our inquiries. They are the people who lived at the address at the time.

"I understand he was out in a local pub on Monday afternoon between 1pm and 5pm. If anyone saw him or spoke to him, I would urge them to come forward.

"We hope to piece together a comprehensive family history of Mr Johnson. We are not looking for anyone else in the inquiry at this time, but I will keep an open mind."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 303126.