POLICE investigating the takeaway drive-by murder have issued descriptions of the two suspects.

Just before 9.58pm on Tuesday (April 7) Tipu Sultan was shot from close range behind the Herbs and Spice Kitchen takeaway in Lake Avenue, Marsden, South Shields.

The 32-year-old father of two, , from Sunderland, died from a single gunshot wound.

Two men on a motorbike were seen riding into the lane behind Lake Avenue just before the incident and seen riding away immediately after.

Officers believe they were responsible and are searching for them.

Witnesses describe the man that got off the bike and who fired the shot as being white, wearing tight fitting black clothing and a motorcycle helmet with a visor and gloves.

He was carrying a black bag, possibly a bin bag, that contained the firearm. He spoke with a North-East accent.

The second man, who stayed on the bike, was smaller than the passenger, was wearing black motorbike leathers, motorcycle boots and gloves. He also wore a helmet with the visor down.

The bike is described as being a large red performance-style machine, possibly a superbike, with a black seat. It had a loud, powerful engine.

South Tyneside Superintendent Sav Patsalos said: "A full murder investigation is ongoing and teams of detectives are following up on a number of leads.

"We have had a good response from the public appeal and received a number of calls in relation to sightings of the bike in the area around the time of the incident.

“We are following up every piece of information that is coming in and we are continuing to appeal for anyone who thinks they can help to get in touch.

"Anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant or small they believe it to be, should pass it onto the investigation team and let us follow it up.

“Any piece of information could help us with our enquiries.”

He said it was being regarded as an isolated, pre-planned but detectives were still searching for a motive for the murder.

Supt Patsalos said: "Last night local officers visited takeaways and businesses in the area to speak to owners and staff and reassure them.

"Family Liason Officers are supporting Tipu's family and we are continuing to keep them updated in relation to the investigation."

Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference number 1255 07/04/15, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.