A 17-YEAR-OLD male youth was arrested yesterday following a man's death.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry after the victim died shortly after he arrived at hospital.

Police were called to a disturbance involving two men in Beechbrooke, in the Ryhope area of Sunderland, shortly after 3.30am on Sunday.

On arrival, a man was found to have been assaulted.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he died at 4.40am.

Beechbrooke, including part of the approach road to Ryhope and Cherry Knowle hospitals, was cordoned off as police carried out forensic examinations.

The man leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Mick Paterson, urged anyone in the area who had information about the incident to come forward.

He said: "I am interested in hearing from anyone who may have been in Beechbrooke and the surrounding area of Ryhope at around 3.30am, such as those returning home following a night out, who may have witnessed this assault or seen a disturbance.

"Any nearby residents who may have heard a disturbance outside their homes should also get in touch."

The identity, age or any other details about the dead man, have yet to be revealed by police.

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 08456-043-043.