Murder probe update: Man named after five arrested over fatal incident at South Shields pub

Police were called to the Prince Edward pub in Prince Edward Road at 11pm.

Emergency services attended and a 31-year-old man was found unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The man has been named as Ronnie Howard.

His death is being treated as murder.

Five men - aged 58, 33, 31, 30, and 26 - have been arrested and are currently in police custody.

Extra officers are on patrol to offer reassurance to the local community and answer any concerns people may have.

An officer was stood guard at the pub's entrance this morning and a police car had sealed off the rear of the building

It is understood the pub was busier than usual for a Wednesday last night as one of the regulars was celebrating a birthday.

Southern Area Command Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: "We are carrying out enquiries to establish what led to this man's death and ensure those believed to be responsible are held accountable for their actions. Officers quickly attended and arrests were made.

"We recognise the local community will be concerned that this has happened in their area and I would like to offer them reassurance that we extra officers on patrol, officers are there for local residents to speak to them and make them feel reassured that everyone is being done to ensure they feel safe."

Anyone who was in the Prince Edward and has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1285 040516 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.