A WOMAN was murdered outside a crowded North-East pub at the weekend.

The victim, in her fifties, was left to die on the pavement outside the Metropole pub, in Gateshead High Street, following the attack early on Saturday.

It is believed she was stabbed with a broken glass then kicked and punched as she lay bleeding on the ground. Police arrested ten men and women in connection with the killing, and eight have since been released.

The attack happened as drinkers were making their way home from the Metropole and other nearby pubs.

Passers-by rushed to the woman's aid after the attack, trying to keep her warm.

She was pronounced dead at Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Police sealed off the street around the pub as they combed the area for evidence.

The pub, which is on the corner of Jackson Street, was closed yesterday as forensic teams continued to sift through the bar area.

A police spokewoman said: "Inquiries are continuing into this murder. We are still trying to establish what happened and would like to speak to anyone in Gateshead High Street between 12 and 12.15am that night.

"We also want to hear from anyone drinking in the pub that night."

Police said the victim had been identified but her name would not be released until this morning after relatives had been informed.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp on 0191-221 9087.