A woman has tonight been charged with the murder of an 11-month-old boy found dead on New Year's Day.

Mapaseka Justinah Shapung, 30, is due to appear in court in the morning.

The baby's body was found in a flat on George Stephenson Way, North Shields, shortly after 1pm on January 1.

A post mortem examination failed to establish a cause of death and further tests are to be carried out.

Ms Shapung is due to appear at North Shields Magistrates' Court in the morning.