The murder of a man (24) in England is being treated by investigators as a disability hate crime.

Lee Irving, who had learning difficulties and was described as "vulnerable", was found on a grassed area in the Fawdon area of Newcastle on Saturday morning.

He was declared dead at the scene by emergency services and a murder inquiry was launched following a post-mortem.

Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police said the local community was "shocked and appalled" by the killing of Mr Irving, who was from Camperdown, East Denton.

Extra officers are carrying out patrols in the area to reassure the public.

Superintendent Bruce Storey said: "It's thought those involved in this incident know each other. Lee had learning difficulties and was vulnerable."

"One of our key lines of inquiry was to establish whether this is a factor in his death and a motivation in this crime."

"It's important those suspected of being responsible face the consequences of their actions and I would urge anyone who was in Fawdon on Saturday morning, between 7am and 9am, to come forward and speak to us."

"If they saw anything at all that seemed out of the ordinary, no matter how insignificant they think it is we would ask them to get in contact."

"Extra officers will continue to carry out patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the local community, who understandably are shocked and appalled by this tragic death."