A MAN has died after suffering head injuries in a street row.

The 34-year-old man suffered a blow to the head during an altercation in Sunderland in the early hours of this morning and was taken to the city's Royal Hospital, where he died.

Five men have been arrested following the incident, which took place in Maritime Street at 1.10am.

Police say they are keeping an open mind about the cause of the injury, but are treating it as suspicious.

Det Chief Insp Roger Ford said: "This happened at a busy time of night and I believe there were a large number of people in the area at the time.

"It is vital we establish exactly what has happened and I would urge any witnesses to contact police."