MYSTERY surrounds the death of a father-of-two found unconscious in a street after a night out with friends.

Paul Simpson died in the intensive care unit at Middlesbrough General Hospital yesterday afternoon.

The 33-year-old Darlington man was found lying in the town's Askrigg Street, near the junction with North Road, at about 2am on Sunday. He had a fractured skull.

There were no signs of a disturbance, said police, and door-to-door inquiries have so far drawn a blank.

It remained a mystery how Mr Simpson got his injuries, said police.

He spent Saturday evening with friends and returned to their home, which he left at 2am, for what should have been a short walk home.

He made it only half-way before reaching the spot where he was found.

Detective sergeant Alec Francis said: "There is nothing obvious to suggest he has been assaulted at this time."

A Home Office pathologist was due to carry out a postmortem examination last night.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01325) 467681