A MAN has been charged with murder over the death of someone in a pub disturbance.

Ronnie Howard, 31, was found unconscious in the Prince Edward pub in South Shields on Wednesday night.

Mr Howard, from South Shields, was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Five men arrested in connection with his death have now been charged with offences.

Michael Anthony Wilson, aged 35, of Hylton Avenue in South Shields has been charged with murder, affray and assault.

David Wood, 28, of Sunderland Road in South Shields; Anthony Kenrick, 33, of Centenary Avenue, South Shields and Paul John Haley, 26, of Ascot Gardens, South Shields have all been charged with affray and assault and John Hayes, 58, of Moor Lane, South Shields has been charged with affray.

Two men aged 31 and 30, who were originally arrested as part of the investigation have now been released with no further action.