A MURDER investigation is underway after a man who was assaulted in North Shields last month died of his injuries.

At about 10.17pm on December 10, Noel Reynolds was walking in the Balkwell Avenue area when he was approached by an unknown male, who has then assaulted him in a suspected one-punch attack.

Noel, 37, from South Shields, fell to the ground following the assault and was soon rushed to hospital where he remained in an unresponsive state, until he passed away on January 3.

A police spokesperson said his family is currently being supported by specialist officers.

Following the assault, a 35-year-old man and a woman, 36, were arrested in connection with the incident and later released on police bail.

Enquiries remain ongoing and officers are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Louise Jenkins of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with Noel’s family and loved ones, who are being offered specialist support by our officers. We ask that their privacy is respected during this truly challenging time.”

She added: “In the immediate aftermath of the incident, we launched an extensive investigation and have trawled hours of CCTV and made dozens of doorstep visits.

“Following Noel’s death, we are now treating this as a murder investigation and are appealing to the public for their assistance.

“We ask that anyone with knowledge of this dreadful incident please come forward.”

Contact officers on 101 or via the ‘Tell us Something’ function of the website quoting log NP-20211210-1181.

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