A MAN has tonight been charged with the murder of 52-year-old Kenneth Oakes in North Shields.

His body was found at a house in Stanley Street in the early hours of Thursday, January 28.

Police said Amendeep Singh Rai, aged 20, of Stanley Street, was tonight charged with murder and is due before North Tyneside magistrates in the morning.

Police are continuing to appeal for information surrounding the death of Mr Oakes, of Rudyerd Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Anastasi said Mr Oakes was last seen at about 10.05pm on Wednesday January 27 walking in the direction of Stanley Street.

Anyone with information should call the Byker Incident Room on 03456-043-043 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.