AN elderly man who was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a suspected assault in Prudhoe has sadly died.

At 9.40am on Friday, December 10, Northumbria Police received a report of a disturbance at an address on Woodhead Road. Emergency services attended and found a man in his 70s who had sustained a serious neck injury.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died in hospital on Tuesday - four days after he is believed to have been assaulted.

An investigation is ongoing into the incident and officers arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with the incident. He remains on police bail.

“This is an absolutely tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the victim’s family", said detective chief inspector Graeme Dodds, of Northumbria Police. "Any death is incredibly sad, but it’s even more poignant at this time of year.

“They will be offered all the support that they need, and I would ask that their privacy is respected as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

“A full investigation is ongoing into this sad incident, and we believe all parties to be known to each other.

“I would ask the public to please respect those ongoing inquiries, and refrain from any speculation or actions that could potentially jeopardise the live investigation.

“We are determined to bring effective justice against anybody found to be responsible. Officers remain in the area and anybody with concerns is encouraged to speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20211210-0247.

"This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the man's family and friends", said Coun. Gordon Stewart, representing Prudhoe South and deputy cabinet member for community services.

"Prudhoe has low levels of crime and this incident has shocked the community. 

"I ask that anyone with information contacts the police."