A 53-YEAR-OLD man died in hospital at the weekend after suffering serious injuries during an assault.

A police spokesman last night identified the victim as Thomas Noble, 53, of Moreland Street, Roker, Sunderland.

Mr Noble, who was assaulted in Roker Baths Road, Roker, Sunderland, at 8.50pm on Friday, was taken to the Sunderland Royal Hospital in a critical condition. He died yesterday.

The spokesman said: "Police arrested nine youths in connection with the incident, but they were released with no further action."

A 16-year-old was last night continuing to help police with their inquiries.