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Shane Tunney assault death: Murder investigation launched Shane Tunney assault death: Murder investigation launched
(about 4 hours later)
A man who died in hospital a month after being beaten by a gang of youths had the chance to escape from his attackers but would not leave behind his friend, police have said.A man who died in hospital a month after being beaten by a gang of youths had the chance to escape from his attackers but would not leave behind his friend, police have said.
Shane Tunney, 24, and Anthony Kirk were set upon by the teenagers in Norton on 27 June.Shane Tunney, 24, and Anthony Kirk were set upon by the teenagers in Norton on 27 June.
Police said "heroic" Mr Tunney stopped a passing driver who offered to take him from the scene - but he refused.Police said "heroic" Mr Tunney stopped a passing driver who offered to take him from the scene - but he refused.
Cleveland Police have launched a murder inquiry. Cleveland Police has now launched a murder inquiry.
Mr Tunney suffered head injuries in the assault, which took place at about 02:00 BST in Holly Street, and died on Wednesday. Mr Kirk suffered minor injuries.Mr Tunney suffered head injuries in the assault, which took place at about 02:00 BST in Holly Street, and died on Wednesday. Mr Kirk suffered minor injuries.
The force said the pair became involved in a verbal argument with a group of young males who had climbed on to the roof of a Tesco Express in Norton High Street before the assault.The force said the pair became involved in a verbal argument with a group of young males who had climbed on to the roof of a Tesco Express in Norton High Street before the assault.
'Hiding murderers''Hiding murderers'
The two friends left the scene but were later confronted in Holly Street, where Mr Tunney was punched, kicked and stamped on.The two friends left the scene but were later confronted in Holly Street, where Mr Tunney was punched, kicked and stamped on.
Police said in a "heroic effort" to save his friend from harm, Mr Tunney had stopped a passing driver who offered to drive him away from the scene - but he refused as he would not leave his friend.Police said in a "heroic effort" to save his friend from harm, Mr Tunney had stopped a passing driver who offered to drive him away from the scene - but he refused as he would not leave his friend.
Det Ch Insp Steve Young said: "A young man has tragically lost his life. Shane went out that night and never returned home.Det Ch Insp Steve Young said: "A young man has tragically lost his life. Shane went out that night and never returned home.
"That could have been anyone's son or brother. He was a good, hard-working hero who tried to help his friend on the night of this incident, but sadly paid with his life."That could have been anyone's son or brother. He was a good, hard-working hero who tried to help his friend on the night of this incident, but sadly paid with his life.
"There are people in the local community who are effectively hiding murderers and I make a direct appeal to those people to get in contact with us.""There are people in the local community who are effectively hiding murderers and I make a direct appeal to those people to get in contact with us."
Seven teenagers arrested in connection with the assault remain on police bail. Officers believe an implement was used in the attack.Seven teenagers arrested in connection with the assault remain on police bail. Officers believe an implement was used in the attack.
A post-mortem examination is due to take place later to establish the cause of death.A post-mortem examination is due to take place later to establish the cause of death.