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The inquiry into the death of talented film-maker Lee Halpin has taken a dramatic twist after two people were arrested.

Lee, 26, was believed to have been filming a documentary about sleeping rough on Newcastle’s streets when he died.

The former Heaton Manor School pupil was discovered in the vacant Summerhill Hostel, on Westgate Road, just before 10am on Wednesday. Friends fear he succumbed to hypothermia.

Now two men aged 26 and 30 have been arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs in relation to his death. They have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Lee’s pals took to Twitter to pay their respects to the man described as “a great advocate for the NE arts scene”.

Charlotte Mak wrote: “Heartbreaking news about Lee Halpin. Thoughts are with his family, such devastating and unexpected news. Rip Lee.”

Northumbria University Students’ Union said: “It is with great sadness that the union has heard of the death of Lee Halpin.

“Lee was previously employed as media coordinator and worked closely with many volunteers. The union offers its condolences to his family and friends.”

A spokesperson for the Save Newcastle Libraries campaign said: “Lee was also a contributor to the Save Newcastle Libraries project and a friend to many people involved in saving Newcastle’s Libraries.”

Chronicle readers also left tributes to the budding documentary-maker on our website.

Valerie Laws wrote: “A wonderful young man with so much to offer the world, truly tragic and a major loss to all who knew and loved him.”

Matt Guthery said: “Lee was a stellar human being. A rare breed of person who fought for awareness in many different social and cultural circles.”

Having completed his creative writing MA at Newcastle University, Lee went on to become a founding editor of Novel, a magazine covering all aspects of North East culture from performances and exhibitions to launch parties and talent.

A post-mortem examination to establish his cause of death will be carried out on Monday.

An inquest into his death is expected to open on Tuesday.