POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a man died following a report of an assault in Sunderland.

Shortly after 1am today, officers were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of an assault having taken place at a property on Park Avenue in the Silksworth area of the city.

Emergency services attended and found a 24-year-old man who had sustained serious, life-threatening injuries.

Northumbria Police said, sadly, despite attempts to save his life, he died at the scene.

His family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers at this time.

An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police and officers have arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, from Northumbria Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), said: “Firstly I would like to say my thought are with the victim’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“We have deployed specially-trained officers to support them and we would ask you to respect their privacy as they come to terms with what has happened.

“We know that incident likes this can have a big impact on the local community and enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what has happened.

“I want to reassure the public that we believe those involved are known to each other and that this is not a random attack between strangers.

“Officers will be on patrol in the area throughout the day to carry out enquiries and to speak to any concerned residents.”

The Northern Echo:

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of Northumbria Police's website or by calling 101 quoting log 58 18/06/21.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111 or report information at the Northumbria Police website.