A 20-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a man who was attacked near a pub.

Spencer Freeman, 42, was assaulted early on Sunday near The Grenadier, in Trimdon Avenue, Middlesbrough.

Mr Freeman, a father-of-two, was taken to The James Cook University Hospital for treatment shortly after midnight. He died in hospital yesterday afternoon surrounded by his family.

A 20-year-old man, from Thornaby, near Stockton, has been charged with manslaugher and will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

A 31-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge.

The area around the pub and part of a nearby shopping parade was taped off while officers carried out inquiries.

A neighbour, who lives near the pub and parade of shops, said: "I think everyone was shocked to hear that the man had died.

"We knew there had been an assault, but we werent expecting the police to be asking us about a man dying."

Margaret Atkinson, who lives near the shops, said: "This is a massive shock to all of us because it is usually quiet around here. The police have been here all day asking people what we heard, but I couldn't help them."

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Mr Freeman died as a result of head injuries.

Cleveland Police are asking for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Green, who is leading the investigation, said: "We know that there were a number of people both inside and outside the pub at around midnight, which was when the incident occurred.

"We are in the process of speaking to a number of witnesses and I would urge anyone that we have not yet spoken to, to come forward and contact the incident room."

Anyone with information can call police on 01642-303205 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.