TWO teenagers have been bailed as part of the investigation into the death of a homeless man.

George Akers was found under a tree in St Cuthbert’s Churchyard, in Darlington.

Mr Akers, 59, was discovered on the morning of Saturday, June 12, beside the tree under which he had been sleeping for the previous month.

It was not until a postmortem examination was carried out that a murder investigation was launched.

The post-mortem showed he had suffered serious internal injuries and was the victim of a prolonged attack.

Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle opened and adjourned the inquest yesterday.

Two teenage boys yesterday answered bail at Darlington police station.

They were bailed again until August, pending police inquiries.

Mr Akers was a familiar figure in Darlington.

Another two boys, both 15 and from the Darlington area, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Teesside Crown Court in June charged with Mr Akers’ murder.

They will return to the court on September 3, when they are expected to enter pleas.