A MAN who died after being found with 'significant injuries' in a North-East town has been named as Michael Phillips.

The 39-year-old was found at a property in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, on Monday, June 10 and a murder investigation was launched.

Nine people have been arrested so far, eight of those on suspicion of murder and one man, 26, on suspicion of assisting an offender, who was released on police bail.

Five of the men have been released under investigation, two released with no further action and another man remains in custody. All are aged between 30 and 54.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Specially trained officers are supporting Michael’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time.

"Michael’s death is being treated as suspicious and a number of lines of enquiry are being carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."

  • Police are appealing for anyone with information who may have been in the area of the incident between 7pm and 9pm on Monday 10th June  to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting event number 097292.