Police investigating the murder of a takeaway worker found shot dead say they are hunting two men who were spotted nearby on a motorbike.

Tipu Sultan, 32, was found with a single gunshot wound at the rear of the Herbs n Spice Kitchen in South Shields, South Tyneside, shortly before 10pm yesterday.

Paramedics attempted to treat him but he was declared dead at the scene.

Northumbria Police say they believe two men who were seen on a motorbike were involved in the killing.

Witnesses reported that two men wearing crash helmets and dressed in dark clothing on a motorbike drove into the rear lane in Lake Avenue just before the shooting.

They were then seen driving away from the area in the direction of Lizard Lane afterwards and police have urged anyone who saw the motorbike to contact them.

There is cordon in place at the scene and the area remains closed to the public while enquiries are carried out.

Extra officers are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area speaking to residents and businesses.

Mr Sultan, who worked at the Herbs n Spice Kitchen, was originally from Bangladesh but lived in Sunderland, police said.

Superintendent Sav Patsalos said: "The investigation into the murder of Tipu Sultan is in its very early stages and we are appealing for anyone with any information that could help us with our enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.

"We are trying to establish the motive behind the incident and a full murder investigation is currently being carried out.

"We believe that this has been an isolated incident and not a random shooting, enquiries are ongoing to establish this.

"Those responsible may have planned the incident in advance of carrying it out and if anyone has seen anything or anyone suspicious in the area at any time in the past few days then I'd ask them to come forward and speak to us.

"There is nothing to suggest there that is any risk to any other members of the public or any of the communities in South Tyneside and we understand this incident is extremely concerning for local people and that is why we have extra officers down in the Lake Avenue to reassure and speak to the public.

"We are doing everything we can to try and identify those responsible for this attack and I'd urge anyone with any information to contact police straight away."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.