POLICE arrested four people in connection with the suspicious death of a man yesterday.

The body of Kevin Durnin was found in the front garden of a house in Lawson Walk, close to Stockton town centre, at about 4.20am.

Three males and a female from the Stockton area were arrested in relation to the incident and released on police bail last night, pending further inquiries.

Forensic officers and senior murder squad detectives yesterday searched the terraced house for clues.

The area was cordoned off while officers combed the vicinity, and a tarpaulin tent was placed across the garden.

The body of Mr Durnin, who was 33, was left in situ in the garden for some hours before being taken away by pathologists.

A police spokesman said a post-mortem examination had proved inconclusive and samples had been sent for toxicology tests.

A number of people in Lawson Walk said Mr Durnin, who lived in the Yarm Road area, was well-known and well-liked.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: "I only saw him on Friday and he looked great.

"He was known as Fly to a lot of people and was well-liked.

"He would do anything for you. I don't know why he was up in this particular area though."

Anyone with information about Mr Durnin's death is asked to call (01642) 326326.