Houghton-le-Spring stabbing: Teenager dies after attack

Police said there had been an altercation outside the Britannia Inn

A teenager has died after being stabbed outside a pub in Houghton-le-Spring.

The 18-year-old man was injured shortly after 21:30 BST on Saturday outside the Britannia Inn in Newbottle Street, Northumbria Police said.

The teenager, who was from the Gateshead area, died in hospital on Sunday night.

Six youths aged between 14 and 17 have been arrested on suspicion of wounding by detectives who have launched a murder investigation.

A cordon was put up close to the scene of the attack

The teenager's family is being supported by specialist officers.

Detectives believe a number of people were present at the time of the altercation.

Ch Insp Phil Baker, from Northumbria Police, said the investigation was "progressing" but appealed for witnesses to come forward.

"This is an extremely tragic incident where a young man has unfortunately, very sadly, lost his life.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this really sad time.

"As a police force we would appeal to members of the public to help us out as much as they can, we know there were witnesses here on Saturday evening."

Officers will remain in the area as the investigation continues, and the general public has been reassured.