A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man's body was found inside a house in Hartlepool at the weekend.

Cleveland Police were called at 11.57am on Sunday September 15 to reports of a man found inside a property in Charterhouse Street.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody awaiting questioning.

The victim is still to be formally identified

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "As inquiries into the discovery of a man’s body inside a house on Charterhouse Street in Hartlepool at the weekend, a 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody awaiting questioning.

"The victim is still to be formally identified.

"At this stage we do not believe there is any risk to the wider public and police remain in the area providing reassurance to the local community.

"We would appeal for anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police via the 101 number, quoting Event 159141.

"If you do not want to speak to police, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning them on 0800 555 111."