A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man died following a suspected assault on Christmas Day.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after another man in his 30s sustained an injury at a property in Newbottle, between Chester-le-Street and Sunderland.

Read more: Police urgently searching for missing North Yorkshire man

Paramedics were called to an address in Sunderland Road at about 11.20pm yesterday.

Emergency services attended and found a man in his 30s who had sustained a serious injury, a spokesperson for Cleveland Police said.

They added: "Despite efforts by paramedics, sadly the man died at the scene.

"The victim’s next of kin are being supported by specialist family liaison officers at this time."

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and officers remain at the scene to carry out enquiries.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Angela Hudson, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this truly devastating time.

“A full investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding what led to this tragic incident.

“All parties are believed to be known to each other and there is no wider threat to the public.

“Officers remain in the area as they continue their investigation and I’d encourage anybody with any concerns to speak to them.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20211225-0752.

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