Emergency services were called to Victoria Road in the town shortly before 4am on Tuesday, to reports of concern for a man. On arrival, he was found to have suffered injuries consistent with a bladed article and was later pronounced dead by paramedics. We were on the scene later on Tuesday as Northumbria Police confirmed a murder investigation had been launched in the area and forensics officers arrived. A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. Here are the first pictures from the scene.
5. No risk to wider public
The force also said that it does not believe there to be any risk to the wider public. | JPIMedia Photo: Stu Norton
7. Patrol
Additional patrols will take place in the area to provide reassurance to the public, the force said. | JPIMedia Photo: Stu Norton
8. Shocking
Residents living nearby spoke to the Gazette of their shock at discovering what had happened. | JPIMedia Photo: Stu Norton