ONE of two teachers at the centre of a police investigation into alleged misuse of school computers has been found dead at his home.

The body of Michael Hall, 34, a teacher at High Tunstall College of Science, in Hartlepool, was discovered in the bathroom of his home where he lived alone in Beatrice House, Royal Court, on the outskirts of Sunderland, on Tuesday.

A police spokeswoman said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Mr Hall was one of two teachers suspended from High Tunstall school earlier this week when the allegations came to light.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said she could not confirm that the allegations were being investigated by officers from the child protection unit. Material gathered had not yet been analysed, she said.

High Tunstall headteacher Mirjam Buhler-Willey expressed sadness yesterday at the turn of events.

"Everyone at High Tunstall is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Michael Hall," she said.

"Michael joined the college in September last year and was a committed English teacher. Staff and students have been informed of the sad news and our thoughts at this moment in time are with his family."

Mr Hall was pronounced dead on arrival at Sunderland Royal Hospital. A post-mortem examination is to be carried out.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that the body of a 34-year-old man was found at a house in Sunderland yesterday. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report is being prepared for the coroner."

The second teacher at the 1,100 pupil school - an unnamed 28-year-old man - has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A friend of the dead man, who did not wish to be named, said: "You could not ask for a nicer guy. I'm just very saddened and shocked and devastated.

He was an excellent teacher. It's so sad. I can't believe it."

The 1,100-pupil school, in the West Park area of the town, is designated a specialist school in science and maths.