Man's body discovered on Hartlepool footpath

Police on Teesside are investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered on a footpath early on New Year's Day.

Cleveland Police said the body of the 51-year-old, who has not yet been named, was found near Catcote Road in Hartlepool.

A force spokesman said the death was being treated as unexplained and a forensic team had been called in.

He also appealed for any witnesses to come forward.