Alleged murder victim 'shining light', say family

Image source, Northumbria Police

Image caption, Christopher Henderson's family described him as "an amazing man inside and out"

A man who died following an assault was a "shining light", his family has said.

Christopher Henderson was found with serious head injuries at an address in the Regent Court area of Bensham, Gateshead, on 16 July.

The 55-year-old was taken to hospital where he remained in a critical condition, and died on 29 July.

His family have now paid tribute to an "amazing partner, dad and protective big brother and uncle".

In a statement, they described him as "an amazing man inside and out".

It added: "He always expressed his love for his family 鈥 and it is heartbreaking for his children he has left behind.

"We are devastated by his tragic death, but we have memories that cannot be taken away and he will live on in our hearts forever."

A 42-year-old man was originally charged with attempted murder, but following the death this was upgraded to murder.

He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday and was remanded in custody, due to go on trial next year.