Police have launched a murder enquiry after a man died from injuries he sustained during a violent attack.
Noel Reynolds was travelling alone at night when he was approached by an unknown man, who then punched him to the ground in a random assault.
The 37-year-old was found unconscious by a member of the public who contacted emergency services.
Paramedics rushed Reynolds to hospital on December 10 and the victim remained in an acute ward in an unresponsive condition before passing away on January 3.
Specialist police officers are helping Reynolds' family through the process but a manhunt has been launched to find his attacker.
Police initially launched an investigation and arrested a 35-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in connection with the incident.
However, both have since been released on police bail, according to Chronicle Live.
Officers are now appealing for any witnesses into the South Shields attack to come forward.
Detective Inspector Louise Jenkins of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with Noel’s family and loved ones, who are being offered specialist support by our officers.
“We ask that their privacy is respected during this truly challenging time.”
She added: “In the immediate aftermath of the incident, we launched an extensive investigation and have trawled hours of CCTV and made dozens of doorstep visits.
“Following Noel’s death, we are now treating this as a murder investigation and are appealing to the public for their assistance.
“We ask that anyone with knowledge of this dreadful incident in the Balkwell Avenue area to please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or via the ‘Tell us Something’ function of their website quoting log NP-20211210-1181.
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