A DISABLED man died of head injuries 11 days after being assaulted, police have revealed.

Yesterday, Durham Police said they were treating the death of Scott Hall, 28, as unexplained.

Today, they have released the results of a post-mortem examination conducted last night by pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper, which reveal Mr Scott died as a result of a bleed on the brain caused by an injury to the head.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chapman, the senior investigating officer, said he was keeping an open mind on what may have happened to Mr Scott, who had physical and learning difficulties.

Two boys, both aged 15 and from Mr Hall’s estate, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting him and questioned by detectives yesterday before being released on police bail to mid-October, pending further enquiries.

Durham Police have spoken to a number of witnesses to the assault but are still appealing for more information.

Mr Hall was assaulted near Newton Hall Library, at the junction of Carr House Drive and Alnwick Road, in Newton Hall, Durham City, at about 10.15pm on Thursday, July 24.

He was taken to hospital but later released.

Relatives found Mr Hall unconscious at the foot of the stairs at his home in Caterhouse Road, Newton Hall, at about 8pm on Saturday.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, but died in the early hours of Monday without regaining consciousness.

Det Chief Insp Chapman said it was important to understand Mr Hall’s movements and how he was in the days leading up to his death.

“The enquiries into the assault represent part of a much wider and very thorough investigation into how Scott came by the head injury which ultimately caused his death.

“Since the weekend we have been carrying out house to house enquiries across Newton Hall and the response we have had from local people has been excellent.

“We now need to build up a picture of Scott’s movements from when he was released from hospital after the assault to the time he was found at home on Saturday evening.”

Forensic investigators who were at the home Mr Hall shared with his mother Carol yesterday have finished a “routine” examination and a police cordon has been lifted.

Anyone with information on Mr Hall is asked to call Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.