7 arrests made in connection with death of Gateshead man
Police in Gateshead have identified a man who was found dead at the weekend - as a murder investigation continues today
Police in Gateshead have identified a man who was found dead at the weekend - as a murder investigation continues today.
7 people - between the ages of 15 and 51 have been arrested in connection with the death of 40 year old Gary Belfield in Felling.
Shortly after 9.10pm on Saturday (April 27) police received a report via the ambulance service of a concern for the welfare of a man at a property on Elliott Drive in the Felling area.
Emergency responders found 40-year-old Gary Belfield, who had suffered serious injuries consistent with having been caused by a bladed article. He was sadly pronounced deceased a short time later at the scene.
A second male, aged in his 20s, was also found seriously injured in the property. He remains in hospital at this time.
The Force’s Major Incident Team (MIT) immediately launched an investigation and enquiries have been carried out at a number of addresses across the Felling area of Gateshead and the Walker area of Newcastle.
Officers have so far made seven arrests in connection with the investigation. They are:
• A male, aged 17, arrested on suspicion of murder
• A male, aged 21, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder
• A female, aged 22, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder
• A female, aged 15, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
• A female, aged 21, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
• A female, aged 51, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
• A male, aged 35, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
All seven individuals remain in police custody at this time.
Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts are with Gary’s family and loved ones following an incredibly difficult 48 hours, and we will continue to offer any support they need.
“We ask that they are given the time and space that they need to grieve as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.
“Officers will remain at the scene and across the wider area as part of the ongoing investigation, and we encourage anyone who has information to speak to them or report to us directly.”
Det Ch Insp Jenkins added: “I would like to reiterate that those involved are believed to be known to each other, and there is no wider risk to the public.
“I would also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation and to avoid any speculation on social media.
“We have zero tolerance for violence, and I want to assure our communities we will do all we can to get answers for Gary’s family.”