A MURDER investigation is underway after a 33-year-old man died after a suspected stabbing.

Police were called at 3.50pm this afternoon to Kirkley Close in the Gosforth area of Newcastle.

A significant section of Kirkley Close has been cordoned off and the junction with Park Avenue and Wansbeck Road.

A 33-year-old Newcastle man was taken to Newcastle General Hospital and later died from his injuries.

The man who died is believed to have been a passenger in a red van owned by the company 'Rapid Maintainence'.

No further details have been released by the police.

A spokesman for Rapid Maintainence said he understood the dead man was related to the driver.

He said: "I understand one of the van's windows was smashed and the passenger had been stabbed. But I am still waiting to hear more from the police."

Rapid Maintainence is a nationwide plumbing and heating company with a head office in the Wirral.

Forensic tests are being carried out at the scene and an incident room is being set up at Etal Lane police station.

Anyone with information is urged to call Newcastle CID on 08456043043 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111