Police investigating the discovery of a man's body have confirmed that they are now treating the case as a suspected murder.
Officers were alerted at 8.20pm on Friday (January 20) by the ambulance service following a report of concern for the welfare of a man in the Brigham Avenue area of Kenton in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
A man in his 50s was found lying on a grassy area and confirmed as deceased at the scene, and next of kin have been informed. Specially-trained family liaison officers are continuing to offer them support.
In an updated statement, Northumbria Police confirm that the man had facial injuries consistent with having been assaulted.
Read more: Police investigate 'unexplained' death after man's body found on grassy area
A full investigation has been launched as detectives look to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death – which is currently being treated as suspected murder.
A high police presence was seen yesterday as officers conducted searches in the area and door-to-door enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are determined to find out exactly what has happened here and get the man’s family the answers they rightly deserve.
“We believe the man was seriously assaulted on Friday night and whoever was responsible for inflicting those injuries has then left the scene. We are carrying out a huge range of enquiries in order to trace anyone believed to have been responsible.
“Those enquiries will continue throughout the course of today and officers remain in the area to gather evidence and speak to those living in the area. Anybody with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer on duty.
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“I am again asking for the public’s help in this investigation. If you saw anything suspicious in that area on Friday night, or saw a person or people heading away from the scene, let us know.
“Please also check any CCTV or dashcam footage if you live or were driving near that area. Your information could prove the key to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230120-0995.
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