A Middlesbrough man died of head injuries following an alleged altercation in a bar, an interim inquest heard.

Home office pathologist Mark Egan told Teesside Coroners Court the cause of David Cutts' death was a brain haemorrhage as a result of a fall.

A post mortem also showed he suffered cuts and bruising to the body, arms and legs.

Dr Egan said: "The injuries were the result of a fall which could have occurred if he was pushed or propelled down the stairs."

Father-of-one Mr Cutts, of Nimbus Road, Marton Manor, Middlesbrough, was injured in the early hours of October 15. His family had to take the decision to switch off his life support at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, days later.

The 49-year-old sustained the head injuries in the town's Benson's bar, Linthorpe Road.

Early in the investigation, detectives faced a wall of silence, but an emotional plea from Mr Cutts' 72-year-old mother, Connie, helped officers start to piece together the final hours of his life.

The officer leading the investigation, Sergeant Paul Richardson, told the hearing that Omer Kohi, 21, of Fife Street, Middlesbrough, has been remanded in custody charged with the manslaughter of Mr Cutts and is next due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on February 23.

The inquest was adjourned by Deputy Teesside Coroner Gordon Hetherington until to the case at crown court has been concluded.