A MARRIED father-of-seven died after trying to break up a brawl in a social club.

John Lathan, 64, who was known as Jack or Jackie, died in hospital from injuries sustained on Saturday night at the Roseworth Community and Social Club, in Junction Road, Stockton.

Mr Lathan, who lived in nearby Rosslare Road, was involved in a fight at about 11.30pm. After the fracas in the club's concert hall, he collapsed and was taken to hospital, but later died.

A post-mortem examination revealed his injuries to be related to the earlier incident in the club.

Members of the club's committee yesterday described Mr Lathan as a quiet but popular man who was a regular on Saturday nights.

Concert chairman Alan Johnson said: "He only came in on Saturday nights and sat with his wife and daughter. He didn't say boo to a goose. He never bothered anyone."

Club chairman Andrew Paterson said it had been a normal Saturday until fighting broke out towards the end of the night.

He said: "A few scuffles broke out between some young lads, and I think one of Jack's family was involved.

"Jack was trying to calm things down and get his family out of the way and we think somebody punched him.

"We sat him down and he said he was all right, but then he fell off the chair on to the floor, so we called an ambulance. It's such a shame, he was very well-liked in the club."

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being questioned at Stockton police station.

The club was closed all day yesterday to allow forensic officers to carry out an examination.

Detective Inspector Paul Beddow, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This has been a tragic incident which left a 64-year-old man dead. We are appealing for anyone who was in Roseworth Social Club at around 11.30pm on Saturday night, who may have witnessed any kind of altercation, to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302390 or 302226