Four held after man found dead in North Shields

Detectives are questioning four people on suspicion of murdering a Lithuanian man whose body was found in a flat.

Mantas Leonavicius, 22, was found dead at the property in Stantley Street, North Shields at 2.20pm on Friday, Northumbria Police said.

Officers have arrested four men in connection with Mr Leonavicius' death - a 17-year-old boy and three men aged 18, 21 and 22, all from the North Shields area.

Police said Mr Leonavicius was well known in the local area, and is thought to have visited local off-licences and takeaway shops regularly.

Residents told police he would often sit on the steps of his Stanley Street flat in a combat-style jacket.

Northumbria Police are appealing for anyone who saw Mr Leonavicius, who had a "distinctive ginger goatee style beard", between Wednesday and Friday to come forward.

North Tyneside Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "We really need to hear from anyone who has seen him between Wednesday and Friday to ring us on 101 and pass this information on - no matter how insignificant they might think it is, it could still help us with our inquiries."

PA