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Loved ones have paid tribute to a "gentle giant" who was fatally stabbed in North Shields.

Police were called to the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate on Wednesday following reports of an incident.

Andrew Darn, 35, from North Shields, died at the scene.

His partner, Stephanie, said: "Andrew was our whole world, as we were his."

A man, 68, has been charged with his murder and is due in court next month.

In a statement released by Northumbria Police, Mr Darn's family said: "He had three loves in his life: work, Steph and the kids, and fishing – not necessarily in that order!

“He was well-loved by everyone; kind-hearted and soft.”

Mr Darn leaves behind a grandmother, mother and father, a brother, a sister, and his partner of 18 years, along with their three young children.

His mum and dad shared how his brother, Nathan, would call Andrew his "brother bear".

Mr Darn's mother, Deborah, said: "We just can’t believe he’s been taken from us. His babies don’t know where he is."

An investigation into Mr Darn's death is ongoing, Northumbria Police said.

Officers have asked the public not to speculate about the case both in the community and online as it could impact future court proceedings.

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