THE death of a Loftus man who was attacked in the street is being treated as murder.

Bakery owner John Carr was rushed to hospital last weekend after a fight outside the White Horse pub on Saturday evening.

He died the following day from severe head injuries with his family at his bedside.

Cleveland Police described how the 34-year-old became involved in an altercation in Loftus High Street with two men.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics and transferred to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Police said the fracas broke out about 6.30pm after Mr Carr had been involved in an argument.

Officers have renewed appeals for help after launching the murder investigation. Sgt John Green, of Cleveland Police, said: "This tragic incident started with a man enjoying a night out with friends and ended with him sadly losing his life."

Bank customers caught on CCTV using a nearby Barclays cash point and who may have crucial evidence, are being urged to come forward.

Two local men were arrested and later released on police bail.

Local licensee, Coun Dave Fitzpatrick, of the Station Hotel, Loftus, who knew Mr Carr, said his death was a 'terrible tragedy'.

He said the skilled plasterer had recently taken over Loftus Bakery, in the High Street, with his partner Debbie.

Manager at the White Horse pub, Elaine Lawton, said Mr Carr would often drink at her bar with friends. She said: "He wasn't a regular here but we saw quite a lot of him. He seemed like a genuine guy and was known to a lot of people around Loftus. It's very tragic."

The officer leading the investigation, Det Insp Colin Galloway, appealed for people using the Barclays Bank cash point at the time of the incident to come forward. He said: "Clearly several people have seen this disturbance."

He would like to speak to anyone in the pub who may have details about what happened.

"We would particularly like to speak to the driver of a dark-coloured car which was parked in the area," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302626.