Body sparks police inquiry

The victim had been beaten

Police have launched an investigation after a man's beaten body was found on school playing fields.

The man, believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, was found near Heworth Grange Comprehensive School, in Gateshead.

Northumbria Police said the man, who has not yet been identified, suffered a sustained attack which caused his death.

Police are treating the death as suspicious and have confirmed that two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old youth are currently in custody and will be questioned.