Two men charged with murder of Lee Irving

The men are due to appear at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning

Lee Irving, the 24-year-old found murdered in Newcastle on Saturday morning (Northumbria Police)

Two men have been charged with murder following the death of Lee Irving, a young man with learning difficulties who was found killed in Newcastle on Saturday morning.

On Monday evening, detectives charged 28-year-old James Wheatley, of Studdon Walk, Newcastle with murder.

Barry Imray, 31, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder and perverting the course of justice.

Both are set to appear at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court in North Shields tomorrow morning.

Two other men, aged 50 and 23, along with two women aged 50 and 20, have been bailed pending further enquiries.

The body of Lee Irving, 24, was found on grass near Hazeldene Avenue in the Fawdon area of Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday morning.

A police inquiry was launched after a post mortem. Mr Irving was described as "vulnerable".

Friends and well-wishers paid their respects to Mr Irving on Facebook. A friend wrote that Lee was "one of the best, kindest, genuine lads I have met", and added that he "would have done anything for anyone."

Another said he was a "beautiful soul", along with hundreds of others who have written messages of condolence.

Mr Irving's body was found near Hazeldene Avenue in the Fawdon area of Newcastle on Saturday morning (Google Maps)

Mr Irving, from Camperdown, a street in East Denton in Newcastle, was described in a statement from his family as a "wonderful young man".

They said: "He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him."

"What we have lost is irreplaceable and we must live with our loss every day."

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us at this devastating time. Lee will always remain in our hearts and thoughts."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.