Man charged with murder of 40-year-old from Berwick area

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 14th Jan 2024
Last updated 14th Jan 2024

A man's due to appear in court charged with the murder of a 40-year-old man from the Berwick area.

Christopher Phillips (pictured above) was found with serious head injuries in Gateshead on August 14th last year.

Emergency services raced to Tennyson Court, on Sunderland Road, in Felling, after the alarm was raised around 9am.

But he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following Christopher’s death, an investigation was launched and officers arrested a man in connection with the incident.

Evan Lyons, of Tennyson Court, Gateshead, has now been charged with murder.

The 26-year-old has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on Monday, January 15th.

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Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith of Northumbria Police, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult past few months for Christopher’s family and loved ones and we continue to offer them any support they need.

“I would ask that members of the public respect the ongoing investigation and refrain from any speculation or commentary, either in the community or on social media, that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.”

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A major incident portal was set-up online with a dedicated web link for anyone wanting to provide information which may assist police with their enquiries.

Det Chief Insp Smith said: “We are still keen to hear from anyone with information which could help us secure justice for Christopher.

“Please get in touch if you know anything which could assist our investigation.”

To help, click here and select the Northumbria Police tile, or call 101 and quoting log number NP-20230814-0235.

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