Police have released a man suspected of murder following the death of a patient admitted to the Whittington Hospital with mysterious injuries last week.

Alexander Stewart, 49, of Henfield Close, Archway, died at the hospital in Magdala Avenue, Highgate, last Wednesday after being admitted two days before with a fractured chest bone and blood poisoning.

Police believe he was involved in a fight sometime between December 6 and December 11 in which he suffered fatal chest wounds.

However, officers have little information about the incident and do not know where it might have happened.

Last Friday, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after presenting himself to a police station in north London.

He was later bailed to return in mid-February pending further enquiries.

A pathologist report suggests Mr Stewart was either punched or kicked, but officers are ruling nothing out.

Police were called to the hospital at about 1.10am last Wednesday by staff after Mr Stewart died. His family has been informed.

Det Ch Insp John Sandlin, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC), said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have knowledge of how Alex sustained his injuries or may have seen the altercation Mr. Stewart is believed to have been involved in.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3865 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.