POLICE are investigating the unexplained death of an 11-month-old boy.

The youngster died at an address on George Stephenson Way in North Shields yesterday.

The mother of the child was taken to hospital, where she remains today in a poorly condition.

A statement released by Northumbria Police this afternoon said: "At 1.07pm on Friday, January 1, officers were called to an address in North Shields following reports of the death of an 11-month-old baby boy.

"The baby's mother was taken to hospital and is described as being in a poorly condition.

"Police are making further inquiries into this currently unexplained death."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Northumbria Police incident room on 03456-043043, extension 66333