THE death of a Hartlepool man found with serious head injuries has become a murder enquiry after the victim died on Monday.

The 56-year-old man was being treated in Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital for his injuries which he suffered on Friday, November 18 at his home address in Rydal Street.

The victim has been named as 56-year-old Stanley Burgon.

Cleveland Police confirmed that a post mortem has taken place and further tests are to be carried out.

Detectives believe the attack may be linked to an earlier incident at an address in St Oswalds Street, Hartlepool, at 8.33pm on Friday.

There, the front door was boarded up and a window was peppered with what appear to be bullet holes. Inquiries into both incidents are continuing, and anyone with any information is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

As a result of the incident, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder while a 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault.

The pair were released from custody following their arrest but still remain on police bail and enquiries are continuing.