23 December 2012 Last updated at 09:27 ET

Four held over David Charlton killing in South Shields

Mr Charlton was attacked on the way home from a night out, police said

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was fatally stabbed 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, 25, 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.

Det Ch Insp 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."