Five people arrested as police treat man's death as murder

Shortly after midday on Wednesday, officers were alerted by the ambulance service to concern for a man at an address on Aintree Road.

• Updated: Police name the victim

Emergency services attended and found the body of a 48-year-old man inside the property. His next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.

Police at the scene on Aintree Road in Sunderland Picture: North News

An investigation has been launched into the man’s death. An increased police presence remains at the scene as officers carry out enquiries and offer any reassurance to residents.

Police have arrested two men – aged 32 and 45 – and two women - aged 38 and 18 - on suspicion of murder. A 50-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All five individuals remain in police custody and are assisting officers with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a tragic incident that has sadly resulted in a man’s death. Our thoughts are with his family at this time and we will continue to offer them any support they need.

“We are now carrying out a range of enquiries to establish the circumstances behind his death, which we are currently treating as suspicious.

“At this early stage, we believe this was an isolated incident that happened between parties known to each other inside an address. We currently have five individuals in custody and will be speaking to them throughout the course of the day.

“I would now ask anybody who saw anything suspicious on Aintree Road between Tuesday evening and Wednesday lunchtime to get in touch with police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 389 030620. Alternatively, you can use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.