Fawdon Murder May Have Been Hate Crime
Police are investigating whether the murder of a man in Fawdon was a disability hate crime.
Police are investigating whether the murder of a man in Fawdon was a disability hate crime.
24-year-old Lee Irving from Camperdown in East Denton was found dead on a grassed area between Dorrington Road and Hazeldene Avenue on Saturday morning (6th June).
Lee had learning difficulties and was vulnerable.
Newcastle 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 enquiry is 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."
Five people, four men and one woman, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A post mortem inquiry has been carried out.