A BETTING shop manager who collapsed during a confrontation with a customer died in hospital earlier today.

The 53-year-old man failed to recover consciousness after being taken to hospital following the incident at the Pagebet premises in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, on Monday evening.

Police investigating have appealed for information from anyone at the Front Street premises either at the time or in the period leading up to it, at 8.45pm.

It is thought that the shop manager may have suffered a heart attack as a result of the incident, in what is understood to have been a row over whether a bet on a greyhound race was in time to be placed.

The manager, who was working at the till, collapsed and lapsed into unconsciousness.

A customer called police, while others at the premises put him into the recovery position. Police officers gave first-aid when they arrived.

He was taken by ambulance to Durham's University Hospital of North Durham and was treated in the intensive care unit, where he remained in intensive care until his death this afternoon.

Pagebet managing director David Archer said news of the death of the popular manager's had devastated everyone at the company, particularly staff and customers at the Pelton premises.

"It's absolutely tragic news.

"He was very well liked. He was very experienced but he was very much a gentleman."

It is understood the dead man is from the Stanley area and is separated from his wife, but has a son and daughter.

Mr Archer added that the company is carrying out its own investigation into the incident and is assisting police inquiries.

The shop remained closed on Tuesday pending investigations, but reopened to customers on Wednesday.

A local man in his mid-30s was arrested at the betting shop on suspicion of wounding with intent following the incident.

He was questioned by police and was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A Durham force spokesman confirmed the death of the manager and said the incident would be further considered by officers in the light of the development.

Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number, 0845-60-60-365, or anonymously, via the Crimestoppers' line, on (0800) 555111.