A MURDER inquiry was launched after the body of a teenager was found at a flat by police early today.

Officers attended the premises in the Hollow Drive area of Throckley, west of Newcastle, as a result of "information received", around 2am.

A teenager was found dead. He was believed to have suffered stab wounds.

The victim has not yet been formally identified, but is believed to have been aged around 16.

A 16-year-old youth has been arrested on suspicion of murder and was said to be helping police inquiries later today.

Northumbria Police have appealed for information from anyone with information or who may have been in the vicinity of the incident, late last night or early today.

A police cordon was set up around a three-storey block of flats in Hollow Drive and house-to-house inquiries were taking place in the area today.

An incident room has been set up at Newcastle West End Police Station and anyone with information is asked to ring (08456) 043043, or the freephone Crimestoppers line, on (0800) 555111.