TWO teenagers were arrested yesterday after a body was found in a field.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry after the dead man was discovered in a field off Abbotsford Road, Felling, in Gateshead, at about 8am on Saturday.

The victim is a local man, believed to be in his 40s. Officers from Northumbria Police were last night still informing his relatives and could not formally announce his identity.

Two youths, aged 15 and 17, were arrested yesterday morning and are being held at Gateshead police station for questioning.

The death was initially treated as suspicious, and a post-mortem examination carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper confirmed it was murder.

A police spokeswoman said last night that they were awaiting further test results on the cause of death.

Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone with information to call 0191-454 7555, extension 64148.