A huge police presence remains at the scene in Elswick with an attempted murder investigation under way
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder as a woman fights for her life in hospital. The North East Ambulance Service attended a property on Durham Street in Elswick at 6.38pm on Friday evening.
They raised a report of concern to Northumbria Police, with a man and a woman considered to be the victims of a serious assault. The woman in her 60s suffered serious head injuries and remains in hospital; while the man, also in his 60s, sustained serious injuries and is in a stable condition.
A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in police custody at this time.
A cordon remains in place on Saturday afternoon and officers are in the area to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to the community. A total of seven police vehicles were at the scene, including specialist search unit and welfare support team.
Det Ch Insp Mark Atherton, the senior investigating officer on the case, said: "This is a serious incident which has resulted in two people sustaining serious injuries. A suspect is already in custody being questioned, and I would like to reassure our communities that we are carrying out extensive enquires to understand what has happened."
He added: "Officers will remain in the area for some time conducting enquiries, and we would ask anyone with concerns to speak with them. We would also ask any witnesses to come forward, as any information could prove vital to establishing exactly what happened."
Northumbria Police urged anyone with information in relation to what has happened, to provide information via a dedicated page on its Major Incident Public Portal, by sending a direct message on social media or live chat on the Force's website. Those with information can also call 101.