Kenton murder investigation after man's body found on grass

Police are carrying out inquiries in the Brigham Avenue area of Kenton

A murder investigation is under way after a man's body was found outside in a residential area.

Paramedics were called to the Brigham Avenue area of Kenton, Newcastle, on Friday at about 20:20 GMT.

The man, who was aged in his 50s, was discovered on a grassy area with facial injuries, which police said were consistent with being assaulted.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Witnesses or anyone with information are being asked to contact police.

Det Ch Insp Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: "We believe the man was seriously assaulted on Friday night and whoever was responsible for inflicting those injuries has then left the scene.

"We are carrying out a huge range of enquiries in order to trace anyone believed to have been responsible."

Police remain in the area while the investigation continues.