Two quizzed over man's death

Detectives have been given more time to question two men in connection with the death of a man on Tyneside.

Police started a murder inquiry on Tuesday after the death of Gary Thompson.

The 40-year-old father-of-three, was injured in what police described as a "street altercation" in Westmorland Road, South Shields, at 2130 GMT on 1 November.

Mr Thompson, who lived on Norfolk Road, died from his injuries in Newcastle General Hospital late on Tuesday.

Two local men in their 20s have been arrested and are in custody.

Police have been granted a 12-hour extension to detain one man until 2200 GMT on Wednesday.

They have obtained a warrant to detain the second man for a further 30 hours.

Detective Chief Inspector Frank Whittle, of South Tyneside area command, who is leading the investigation said: "Clearly this has had a very traumatic effect on Mr Thompson's wife, who has lost her husband, and children, who have lost their father."

A murder incident room has been set up at South Shields police station. It can be contacted on 0191 4547555 ext 65143.