Death probe launched after man dies from serious injuries: Three arrested and in custody

At 3.05am on Saturday, May 16, police received a report of concern for a 55 year old man on Avondale Avenue, Penshaw.

Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Sadly, he died as a result of his injuries.

Officers have arrested three men aged 47, 38 and 36, in connection with the incident, who all remain in custody at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Sharon Chatterton said: “A team of experienced detectives are carrying out an investigation into this incident as we look to ensure anyone responsible is brought to justice.

“Specialist officers are currently supporting the family and we would ask that their privacy be respected at this time.

"We believe those involved were known to each other. Officers will remain in the area to carry out enquiries and offer any reassurance to the public.”

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, to get in touch.

If you have information that may assist the investigation, ring 101 or use the ‘Tell us Something’ page of our website quoting reference number 115 16/05/20. Alternatively you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It comes after police put a cordon is in place in Avondale Avenue this morning.

A section of the road and a block of flats have been sealed off and several uniform and plain clothes officers are at the scene.

The North East Ambulance Service said they sent a doctor, a rapid response paramedic and a paramedic ambulance after being called by police at around 3am.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he had been woken in the early hours.

“I just saw the flashing blue lights,” he said.

“The ambulance was already there. I didn’t hear anything, it was the lights that woke me.

“There were armed police and a load of cars.”

A spokesman for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called just after 3am this morning by police who had come across a patient collapsed in the street.

"We sent a doctor, a rapid response paramedic and a paramedic ambulance.

"We transported one patient to the RVI."

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