A MAN who died in a house fire on Friday night was murdered, police believe.

The man, in his 60s, was found dead inside a house just before 8pm on Stephens Street, South Bank, Middlesbrough, by emergency services after they were called to a fire.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said:" As inquiries have progressed, police are now treating the man's death as suspicious.

In the early hours of today, Monday, officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

He remains in custody awaiting questioning.

Inquiries are on-going and police are appealing for anyone who may have information which could help their investigation to get in touch.

Contact Cleveland Police via 101 or anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800-555-111.