AN ambulance crew has been suspended from work while allegations about their treatment of a dying nightclubber are investigated.

News that the pair have been suspended while an investigation is carried out by the Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (Tenyas), was confirmed by ambulance bosses on the same day a man appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of David Cutts.

Mr Cutts, of Nimbus Close, Marton Manor, Middlesbrough, was taken to hospital after he sustained injuries at Benson's Bar, in the town's Linthorpe Road, on October 16.

The 49-year-old was found slumped at the bottom of a 10ft flight of stairs with head injuries.

By the time he reached the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, he was in a coma. Relatives agreed to the 49-year-old's life support machine being switched off 24 hours later.

The Northern Echo revealed last month that ambulance chiefs had ordered an investigation into the death.

They called for an inquiry into the standard of care the father-of-one had received.

Acting Detective Inspector Paul Richardson, of Cleveland Police, said: "During our investigations, we became aware of actions by ambulance crews that caused us concern and, as a result, the matter was referred to the ambulance authority.''

He said staff at the club and other people who were in the area made statements and these were passed on to Tenyas.

Ian Walton, director of governance with Tenyas, said: "We are aware of the incident and can confirm a crew has been suspended. An investigation is ongoing."

It is believed police and ambulance officials are examining security camera footage of the incident.

Doorman Omar Kohi, 21, of Fife Street, Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody until February 23, when he appeared before Teesside Crown Court yesterday, charged with the manslaughter of Mr Cutts.

The former River Tees boatman had visited the Apple Tree and Red Rose pubs, both in Middlesbrough, before he went to the bar. He was buried last month. Mourners packed St Hilda's Chapel, at Teesside Crematorium, while more than 40 listened to the service outside over a loudspeaker.