Police charge a 15-year-old boy with the murder of a man, 18, in Houghton

He is the eighth teenager to be charged with Jack Woodley's death

Author: Tom HailePublished 17th Nov 2021

Detectives investigating the death of a man in Houghton-le-Spring have charged another teenager with murder.

On October 16, Northumbria Police received a report of an altercation near the Britannia Inn on Newbottle Street 9.30pm.

Emergency services attended and found Jack Woodley, 18, severely injured.

The teenager, who was originally from the Durham area, was taken to hospital but sadly passed away from his injuries on Sunday night.

An investigation was immediately launched, and nine teenagers were arrested.

Last month, seven teenagers, aged between 14 and 17, were charged with murder.

Meanwhile two teens, both aged 15, were released under investigation.

Following new evidence, a further 15-year-old male was arrested yesterday and has now been charged with murder. He is due to appear at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today.

Detective Inspector Joanne Brooks is leading the investigation and she has appealed for anyone with further information to come forward.

She said:

“First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Jack’s loved ones.

“Our enquiries are continuing, and I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has information, in particular footage or photos of the altercation, who has not yet come forward, to contact police or Crimestoppers.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you may feel it is, could prove important to this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log NP-20211016-1193 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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