Police have issued a significant update in their probe into the death of a man from the North East.

Officers have been investigating the death of a young man from Hartlepool who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene last month.

The sudden and unexplained death of the 22-year-old shook the whole community.

Henry Rafferty was from the Hartlepool area and was found dead on Elwick Road in the town on Friday, August 26.

Read more: Police 'investigating circumstances' after man, 22, dies on North East road on Friday night

The update from Cleveland Police said: “Following comprehensive enquiries, police can confirm that there are no suspicious circumstances around the death of Henry Rafferty and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.

“Our thoughts remain with Henry’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Police would also like to thank the public for their overwhelming response to the appeal for CCTV and information.”

Countless social media posts poured in from family and friends following Henry’s death with one saying he “touched so many hearts in the town” and another saying Henry had the “biggest smile in the room no matter where at.”

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