POLICE investigating the death of a man following an incident outside a Wearside bar have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.

Northumbria Police said a 26-year-old man has been arrested and is helping officers with their inquiries.

Police received a report from the ambulance service that a man had been assaulted outside NE38 Sports Bar, in Barmston, Washington at 12.50am this morning.

Officers attended the scene where a 45-year-old man was found with a head injury. He was treated by paramedics at the scene where he was pronounced dead.

He has now been named as John Potts, from the Sunderland area. 

His death followed a disturbance between a group of men in the street.

A 29-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the disturbance.

Officers are currently in the area as investigations continue.

The Northern Echo:

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fairlamb, from Northumbria Police's Major Crime Team, said: "We would once again appeal for any witnesses to come forward as this investigation continues.

"We have made two arrests in connection with it and enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved or anyone who may have witnessed the disturbance leading to the man's death.

"Anyone who thinks they may have information in relation to this incident, no matter how small, is urged to contact us as this may prove vital to the ongoing investigation."

People can contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 81 23/11/14 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.