POLICE are hoping pub-goers may be able to shed light on the suspicious death of a man found lying on a deserted railway track.

The body of Peter Evans, 47, of the Owton Manor Estate, in Hartlepool, was found on the railway line behind the Royal Vaults pub, in Church Street, at 8pm on Thursday by people leaving a nearby pub.

He had suffered injuries to his face and body, which police believe were sustained during an attack or fall.

Mr Evans was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination was carried out last night.

Police officers were awaiting the results of further tests before confirming the cause of death.

More than 30 Hartlepool police officers and the British Transport Police were involved in the inquiry yesterday, carrying out a detailed search of the area and following up information from the public.

But Detective Sergeant Mark Braithwaite refused to say whether the operation was a murder inquiry.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: "The investigation is at a very early stage and I am not being drawn into speculating into what has happened. I am keeping a totally open mind.

"At this time, I would have expected the area to be reasonably busy with people frequenting the public houses and going down to the marina area."

He appealed for anyone who may have seen something suspicious when they were passing the level crossing area at the bottom of Church Street, between 7.30pm and 8pm, to contact Hartlepool police station.

Mr Evans was described as having brown and grey hair which was receding, especially at the front. He was wearing dark trousers with a black, leather belt, a dark V-necked jumper with grey hoops on the neck and arms and black, slip-on shoes.

Anyone with information should call Hartlepool police on (01642) 326326.