The first pictures from the scene show the extent of the police cordon around a Wearside street

Pictures show a large police cordon in a Wearside street as an investigation into the death of a man is launched.

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.

5. Cordon in place all morning

Witnesses say the cordon has been in place from first thing this morning (Saturday, May 16). | JPIMedia Photo: JPI

It is currently not known how long the police cordon in Avondale Avenue, Penshaw, will be in place. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI

An investigation into the incident has been launched by police. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI

The Penshaw street has been cordoned off my police with a number of officers situated around the cordon. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI