POLICE have launched an investigation after an elderly man was found dead in a bath at a North-East care home.

The body of the man, 77, was discovered early today at Connolly House in South Shields.

The home is owned by South Tyneside Council and cares for up to 36 patients who suffer from dementia.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Officers are carrying out inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the death."

A home office pathologist will carry out a post mortem later today.