A large section of Avondale Avenue, in Penshaw, has been sealed off by police this morning (Saturday, May 16).
At 3.05am on Saturday 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.
Local residents say the police cordon has been in place from first thing on Saturday morning and one said he saw armed police at the scene.
First pictures from the scene show the scale of the police cordon.