POLICE investigating after a man and woman died following an incident in Newcastle have named the victims as Eric and Carol Ruddy.

Police received a report from the ambulance service of three people with injuries in an address on Bentinck Street, Elswick.

At around 10.25pm, Friday, December 12, officers attended the scene where a 64-year-old Mr Ruddy and 54-year-old Mrs Ruddy were found with life-threatening injuries.

They were taken to the RVI but were later pronounced dead.

A 28-year-old man, who was also taken to hospital with less serious injuries, has subsequently been arrested in connection with the incident and is helping police with their enquiries.

It is believed at this time the three people are known to each other.

Extra officers are in the area carrying out enquiries and providing reassurance.

DCI Andy Fairlamb from Major Crime said: " We want to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of Bentinck Street in Elswick between 9pm and 10.30pm last night who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary, to contact police straightaway.

"Police are treating the deaths as suspicious and are asking for help from the community in order to piece together the events that led up this incident."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 1303 of 12/12/14 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.