The bodies of a married couple were found in the bedroom of their Sunderland home this afternoon.

Police called at their home on Hylton Castle Road at 4.20pm after they were contacted by a relative concerned for their welfare.

Officers and paramedics found the man and woman dead in a bedroom.

A police investigation is underway to uncover the causes of death.

Sunderland Area Commander Chief Superintendent Kay Blyth said: "We are in the early stages of our investigation into these deaths.

"The deaths are being treated as suspicious and we have additional officers in the area both to reassure the local community and help with the investigation."

Anyone with information about the deaths is asked to contact police on the 101 non-emergency number, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.