POLICE investigating the suspicious death of a man have revealed the house where he died was a brothel.

Kalvant Singh, 41, was found in the backyard of a house in Errol Street, Middlesbrough, on Monday. An upstairs window had been shattered, and Mr Singh had severe head injuries that were consistent with a fall.

Unemployed builder Michael Moody, 54, the house tenant, was found with serious facial injuries.

He was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital for treatment, but police have so far been unable to interview him.

While mystery still shrouds the chain of events that led to market trader Mr Singh's death, police are hoping the prostitutes and their clients who frequented the house will supply vital clues.

Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, joint head of the murder squad behind the inquiry, said: "Although we are building up a picture of events, we still need information from anyone who can shed light on what happened.

"Our information is that there were a number of visitors to the house, some of whom were known to be prostitutes and clients. Clearly, part of the inquiry will be focusing on those people, so I would appreciate it if they made contact with us before we make contact with them."

Det Supt Braithwaite said that married Mr Singh, of Croydon Street, Middlesbrough, is thought to have died between 7am and 7.30am. He said: "I believe that whatever did happen, happened between those times."

It is known that a friend dropped Mr Singh off outside his home at about 12.30am on Monday, but police have yet to establish why he visited Mr Moody. Yesterday, they were continuing house-to-house inquiries and sifting through CCTV footage.

A police caravan stationed in Errol Street and posters of the dead man are aimed at encouraging witnesses to come forward.

Mr Moody, who was married but lived alone, had only been in the house for about two months before the incident. His condition last night was said to be stable and improving.

Anyone with information should contact (01642) 303188 or 303189. Alternatively, contact Det Supt Braithwaite, in confidence, on 077 9977 3851.