Family of fatally injured Tyneside man pay tribute to 'gentle giant'
Andrew Darn passed away on Wednesday following an alleged assault
The family of a man from Tyneside have paid tribute to their "gentle giant" after he died from injuries he received from an alleged assault.
Andrew Darn, who was 35, died on Wednesday (March 27th) as a result of the injuries that he sustained following the altercation outside a premises on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Shields.
It was discovered that Darn had suffered injuries consistent with those being caused by a bladed instrument.
Emergency services were called to the scene following the incident, but despite their best efforts - alongside those by members of the public, Andrew died at the scene.
Darn's family have now paid tribute to their brother, son, father and partner after he was fatally injured, with his loved ones saying: “He was well-loved by everyone; kind-hearted and soft.”
Continuing on, the family statement offered through Northumbria Police read: “We have lost a very big part of our life. Andrew joined us in this world as soon as he possibly could as a baby, he just wanted to meet us.
“He had three loves in his life: work, Steph and the kids, and fishing – not necessarily in that order!" they also added.
Andrew's mother Deborah paid tribute to her son, saying: "We just can’t believe he’s been taken from us. His babies don’t know where he is."
His partner Stephanie, with whom he had been together for 18 years, added that it was "not fair on the kids" that their father has been taken from them.
"He’s my best friend – I’ve lost my best friend, my other half. My heart hurts. I’ve got this pain in my chest since I was told, and I don’t know what to do to make it go away.
“I don’t want to get out of bed, but I had to for the kids. We’ve lost everything,” she finished.
A 68-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with Andrew's death, as Northumbria Police have urged the public not to speculate on the case, as this may hamper officers bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Those with relevant information can get in touch with the force as investigators try to piece together the events leading up to the alleged attack.
Anyone who may have anything of note can get in touch with the force, quoting incident reference number NP-20240327-0154.