Newbottle death: Man accused of Christmas Day murder
- Published
Simon Birch was found seriously injured at an address on Sunderland Road
A man has been charged with murder following a suspected assault on Christmas Day.
Simon Birch, 39, was found by paramedics who were called to an address on Sunderland Road, Newbottle near Houghton-le-Spring, at 23:20 GMT.
He died at the scene and police said they thought his injuries had been caused by a blade.
A 34-year-old man also from Newbottle has appeared before magistrates charged with his murder.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 24 January.
Det Insp Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: "Our thoughts remain with Simon's family.
"A man has now been charged with murder and I would ask that people refrain from any speculation on social media or in the local community that could prejudice the live case.
"All parties are believed to be known to each other and there is no wider threat to the public."
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk, external.