POLICE investigating the murder of Newcastle man Ashley Cochrane have arrested a third man.

The 29-year-old, of Queen's Terrace, Jesmond, was found seriously assaulted at Catherine's House in Byker at around 1.40am on New Year's Day. He was taken to hospital but later passed away.

A murder investigation was launched and two men - aged 38 and 32 - were arrested on suspicion of Mr Cochrane's murder.

Now a third man, aged 39, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. All three men remain in police custody at this time.

Mr Cochrane lived in Queens Road, Jesmond.

Detective Inspector Dave English, the senior investigating officer on the case, is continuing to appeal for anyone with information about Mr Cochrane's death to come forward.

"The victim in this case has a number of injuries consistent with a sustained attack and we know there will be people with important information who are yet to come forward and speak to police.

"We would urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Catherine House, throughout New Year's Eve and the early hours of New Year's Day, to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 191 01/01/18 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.