The 52-year-old man who died in Leek on New Year’s Eve after reportedly being attacked by a group of youths who were throwing fireworks at his dog did not die as the result of violence, the public prosecution department said on Wednesday evening.

While the exact cause of death has not yet been established, the 18-year-old who was arrested after the death has now been released from police custody, the department said in a statement.

The man was not beaten up, as suggested by local media, but he was involved in a confrontation some 30 minutes before he died, the department said. An examination of his body has shown “minor injuries” but not enough to cause his death.

The youngster who was released is still considered to be a suspect as long as the investigation continues. Surveillance camera footage has been examined and no other arrests are now expected.

“We would call on the public to let the police do their jobs and not to draw any conclusions or call for action,” the statement said. “Incitement and doxing is a criminal offence.”