DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Norton man have made a ninth arrest.

Shane Tunney died more than a month after he suffered a brutal and savage attack as he walked home from a night out with a friend.

Early this morning, (Monday, August 3), officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Norton on suspicion of murder and on suspicion of robbery.

Mr Tunney, 24, and his friend, Anthony Kirk, had been to visit the cash point at Tesco Express on Norton High Street at around 2am on Saturday, June 27, when they were pelted with rotten food by a group of youths. Following a verbal altercation, the two men were allegedly attacked by a number of young males a short time later.

Shane had flagged down a passing motorist who offered to take him away from the scene, but Shane refused to leave his friend who was allegedly being beaten.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "A 17-year-old man arrested this morning in connection with the murder of Shane Tunney has been bailed pending further enquiries."

All nine suspects have now released on police bail.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or alternatively it can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org