A MAN will appear in court on Monday charged with the murder of a 20-year-old.

Andrew Lucas died of multiple stab wounds in the early hours of Saturday in Warkworth Close, Oxclose, Washington, Wearside.

Mark Spalding, 45, from Washington, was charged with murder on Sunday and will appear before Sunderland Magistrates' Court on Monday morning.

He suffered multiple stab wounds and the alarm was raised at 3.42am when emergency services were called out.

Mr Lucas was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead suffering from several injuries, but pronounced dead shortly after.

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A crime scene investigation was set up and the killing has stunned people who live in the surrounding community.

Jamie Nolan, 20, of Warkworth Close, said: "We were out until about 4.30am and when we came back we saw an ambulance down by the flats.

"We are all just shocked that this has happened in the street.

"It is tragic. He was just a young lad."

Another neighbour said: "It is so tragic, that poor lad. I cannot imagine how his family must feel."

Patrols have been increased in the area but police sought to allay residents' fears, stressing that there is nothing to suggest the wider public is at risk.

It is understood his mother, Gaynor, lives, near the scene of the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett who is leading the investigation said: "We are still asking for people with information about this offence to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, however we have nothing to suggest that there is any wider danger to the public."

Witnesses or anyone who has any information should call Northumbria Police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.