Four people arrested over the death of a man in Banbury have been released on police bail.

Maurice Batts, 64, died in hospital on Tuesday, 10 days after he was found on his boat on the canal at Southam Road with severe injuries.

A post mortem examination revealed his death was caused by a 'blunt trauma', said police and the case is being treated as suspicious.

Two men, aged 52 and 23, and two women, aged 21 and 49, were arrested by police on suspicion or murder.

Detectives announced this morning all four had been released on police bail until next month, pending further enquiries.

Police are still appealing for more information.

Det Supt George Turner said: "I am very keen to speak to anyone who was in Southam Road, near to the Citroen garage by Tesco, either late on Thursday, September 27 or in to the early hours of Friday, September 28.

"Any information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could prove vital to establishing his movements and how he died."

Anyone with information can call Det Supt Turner on 08458 505505, quoting the reference URN 312 of October 9, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.