POLICE have named a father-of-one who died after he was assaulted in a house. Neil Paul Jones' body was found in the early hours of Thursday morning and four people have been arrested in connection with his death in Chilton, County Durham.

Police - now conducting a murder-style enquiry - are still hunting a man who fled the house in West Chilton Terrace. It is thought he may have assaulted Mr Jones. Detective Superintendent, Neil Malkin, who is heading the investigation, said the exact cause of death is still unknown. He said that while Mr Jones had been assaulted before he died, a post mortem had proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.

Mr Jones, 28, is married with a four-year-old child. He is from Bedfordshire but was in the area visiting relatives.

Four people, three men and a woman aged between 24 and 31, were in the house on Thursday and arrested early Friday morning and released on police bail late last night.

Neighbours reported hearing arguments from within the house a couple of hours before the incident.

The hunt for a fourth man saw armed officers raid several homes in and around Chilton, including Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe.

Officers are continuing their search for the fourth man and Det Supt Malkin said they are closing in on him.

He said: "The man we would like to speak to is well known in Chilton and is fully aware of our search for him. It is only a matter of time before we find him.

"My message to him is simple, give yourself up now. My Message to friends who may be helping him is give him up.

"Anyone found harbouring him is committing a serious offence and will be arrested."

Paramedics were called to the house on Thursday night but attempts to revive Mr Jones failed and he died in a downstairs room.

The forensic examination of the terraced house is continuing today and more than 30 officers are currently involved in the wider investigation.

Det Supt Malkin said: "We know there was an altercation in the house in West Chilton Terrace that may have been linked to some sort of party that was taking place in nearby Dene Terrace.

"The key to this investigation lies within these two streets.

"There are people living there who know exactly what has gone on and who is responsible and we would urge them to speak to us.

"A man has died and it is totally irresponsible for anyone to withhold information."

He added: "House to house enquiries are continuing in this specific area and extra uniformed patrols will be out on the streets throughout Chilton where the vast majority of people are appalled at what has gone on.

"I would urge anyone to approach these officers direct if they can help".

Anyone with information can also call police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.