THREE men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 25-year-old man was stabbed to death in front of his girlfriend.

A fourth man is being held on suspicion of assisting an offender after David Charlton was killed in South Shields.

Mr Charlton was attacked at the junction of Stanhope Road and Boldon Lane on his way home on Friday night.

Detectives believe Mr Charlton got into an argument after leaving the Last Orders pub with his girlfriend.

He was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Young said: "A young man has lost his life and we are carrying out extensive inquiries to establish what happened and who is responsible.

"This includes checking CCTV in the area, speaking with witnesses and carrying out searches of the scene and surrounding area."

A picture of Mr Charlton was released by officers today (Sunday, December 23).

DCI Young said: "We continue to urge anyone to come forward with information which could help police with this investigation.

 

"We have released a photo of David in the hope it will urge people to come forward with any information.

"People don't need to give their name, they can contact us anonymously, but I'd urge people to call us at the earliest opportunity."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.