POLICE are investigating the murder of a 22-year-old man.

Mark Marshall died of stab wounds in Wansbeck General Hospital following the attack in the Beaconhill, Cramlington, Northumberland, around midnight on Friday.

Detectives said there had been a number of incidents in the area prior to the attack.

They are trying to trace a group of men, accompanied by two women, seen fleeing from Selbourne Close, where the victim was found.

Detective Superintendent Steve Bolam said: "It is vital that police trace people who saw two incidents on Friday.

"The first involved a fight between two men in Esher Place at about 9pm on Friday night.

"A number of people would have witnessed this attack and police want them to come forward.

"The second incident, in which the victim received his fatal injuries around midnight, involved an attack by two men.

"They ran from the scene towards Exeter Close."

Police know there were two women, either in their late teens or early twenties, with the men.

Last night a man and woman were helping police with their inquiries.

Anyone with any information can contact (01661) 872555 extension 63697 or 63698