Murder probe after man 'stabbed'

A murder investigation is under way after a 33-year-old man died in a suspected stabbing in Newcastle.

Northumbria Police have released few details of the incident, which happened in Kirkley Close in the Gosforth area of the city on Friday afternoon.

It is believed the man, from Newcastle, was a passenger in a van belonging to a Merseyside plumbing firm.

The area has been sealed off and an incident room set up. Northumbria Police have appealed for witnesses.

Smashed window

A spokesman for the company which owned the vehicle, said the dead man was a relative of the driver.

He said: "I understand one of the van's windows was smashed and the passenger stabbed.

"I am still waiting to hear more from the police."

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said the victim was taken to Newcastle General Hospital, where he subsequently died from injuries.

She said forensic tests were being carried out at the scene.