POLICE investigating the death of Matthew Davis, whose body was found in a North-East guesthouse, have charged a man with murder.

Mr Davis, 39, was found dead in the guesthouse where he was living on North Parade in Whitley Bay on Friday night.

Northumbria Police said tonight that Tony Dodds, 25, of Hillheads Road in Whitley Bay has been charged with murder.

He has been remanded in custody to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Anyone with information about the death of Mr Davis is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 739 170317 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of his murder and following enquiries, two of these men were released from custody with no further police action.

A woman was also arrested, on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Two men and a woman have all been released on police bail pending further enquiries.