Everything we know so far as murder investigation continues after man's death in South Shields block of flats

Emergency services were called to a block of flats in Victoria Road, South Shields, at 3.52am today, Tuesday, May 12, following reports of concern for the man.

When they entered the flats, on the corner of Bedford Avenue, they found him unresponsive and with injuries “consistent with a bladed article.”

He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics a short time later, with efforts ongoing to try and trace his next of kin.

A 23-year-old man, who was found inside the address and is said to have been known to the victim, was arrested at the scene and remains in custody as the force’s Homicide and Major Inquiry Team (HMET) carry out inquiries.

A large cordon was set up around the block by police as a team of forensic officers combed the grounds and gathered evidence inside the flats.

Victoria Road was also closed off to traffic for a short time during the afternoon as the officers investigated blood which could be seen on the road in a number of locations, with door-to-door inquiries carried out in the area.

Neighbours living inside the block were asked to either remain in their homes or were not allowed to return if they had left earlier as evidence gathering continued through the day.

Among them was one 32-year-old man, who witnessed the aftermath of the incident, and said he had heard shouting.

He was unable to return home after speaking to investigators as the scene remained cordoned off.

He said: “There was banging on my door. This neighbour told me to call for an ambulance, so a rang for one and said I think we also need the police.

“The police and ambulance arrived, a lot of police, and then later on they came and said can you step outside, we need to speak to you.

“It’s one of these places where people keep themselves to themselves.

“It’s very, very sad, it's too emotional, what’s happened.”

Residents in the area said they were shocked to wake up and find the area taped off and sad to hear of the tragedy.

A 70-year-old woman, who lives in the flat opposite to where the man was found, said: “Apparently there was a lot of commotion at about 3am, but I'd gone to sleep at 2am.

“When I got up this morning I saw one police car and then the forensic turned up.

“I just thought it was a fight or something but then when they taped it off I knew straight away it was a murder.”

A 54-year-old man who lives nearby added: “I just heard shouting at about 3am and then all the police arrived.

“I could see all the police lights flashing, that’s all I saw.

“It’s a damn shame.”

Officers from HMET are appealing for anyone with information which could help the probe to get in touch.

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson said: "We are committed to determining the circumstances behind this incident which has sadly resulted in the death of a man.

“A team of experienced detectives are carrying out an investigation into this incident and a suspect has already been brought in to custody.

“This incident is being treated as murder at this time and we know that this could be concerning for residents in the area.

“We want to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident that has taken place inside an address and we do not believe there to be any wider risk to the public.

“Highly visible police patrols will be taking place in the area to carry out enquiries and to offer reassurance with residents who have any concerns about what has happened.

“Inquiries are also ongoing to trace the victim’s next of kin who will receive ongoing support from our specialist officers during the investigation.

“If anyone saw anything unusual in the area in the early hours of Tuesday morning, or may have information that assists police, then please get in touch.”

If you have information that may assist the investigation, ring 101 or use the Tell us Something page of the Northumbria Police website quoting reference number 103 120520.

Alternatively, people can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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