A 68-year-old man who died after a suspected assault in Newcastle has been named by police as a woman is accused of his murder.

Officers received a report of a disturbance at a house on Scepter Place, in the Elswick area of ​​the city, at 6.30pm on Monday.

Emergency services attended and a man was found to have suffered serious stab wounds.

The man – who has now been named as John Hardy, of Scepter Place – died a short time later despite the best efforts of paramedics.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, police said.

Northumbria Force confirmed that Brenda Heslop, 62, of Scepter Place, Newcastle, has now been charged with murder.

She is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Mark Atherton, from the force’s major investigations team, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with John’s family at this extremely difficult time.

“We will give them all the support we can as they try to process the events of the last two days.”

Detective Inspector Atherton added: “A suspect has now been charged to appear in court and I would ask everyone to avoid speculation – both online and in the community – and respect active legal proceedings.

“Thank you to everyone who has provided information to our investigation so far.

“If you have any details that can help us, please contact us.”