AN investigation is underway after a man died following a call to police in Sunderland.

Around 6.40pm on Thursday, police received a report of men with guns inside an address in Toward Road.

"Enquiries were carried out and it was established that the report was false," said a spokesman for Northumbria Police.

"The call had come from an address in Wetherby Road and officers attended the address and spoke with the caller.

"While at the address the caller, a 36-year-old man, became unwell and an ambulance was called to the address.

"He was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he died.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the incident and due to the contact between officers and the man the matter will be referred to the IPCC, as is procedure in the circumstances."