A MAN arrested in connection with the death of a father-of-seven has been released without charge.

The 45-year-old Stockton man was released on bail by Cleveland Police yesterday after being interviewed about an incident at Roseworth Community and Social Club, in the town, on Saturday night.

John Lathan, 64, who was known as Jack or Jackie, is believed to have stepped in to try to break up a brawl at the club at about 11.30pm.

It is thought he was punched during the fracas, and, despite sitting down and saying he was fine, he then collapsed.

Mr Lathan was taken to hospital by ambulance, but died soon afterwards. A post-mortem examination suggested that his injuries were related to the earlier incident in the Junction Road club.

Mr Lathan, who lived in Rosslare Road, in Roseworth, leaves a wife, Sheila, and seven grown-up children.

Yesterday, the family was too upset to talk about the incident or their loss.

People who knew Mr Lathan described him as a gentleman and said he would not harm anyone.

The club's 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 he believed fighting had broken out among young men in the club.

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

Detective Inspector Paul Beddow, who is leading the investigation, has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "This has been a tragic incident which left a 64-year-old man dead."

Anyone in the club at 11.30pm on Saturday is asked to contact police on (01642) 302390 or 302226.