Fourth man charged with murder after suspected ammonia attack in Gateshead

Police say a fourth charge has been made in their investigation

Andy Foster
Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 12th Nov 2023

Police investigating a suspected ammonia attack in Gateshead have charged a fourth man with murder.

Officers were called shortly before 11pm on Sunday 20th August to reports a man had been attacked at an address in Eighton Terrace in Wrekenton.

It's believe two people had knocked on the front door and sprayed a man with suspected ammonia before fleeing.

The victim, 26 year-old Andy Foster, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries but later died despite the best efforts of medical professionals.

An investigation was immediately launched by officers from the Force’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) and a number of enquiries have already been carried out.

Three men, two aged 32 and another aged 21 have been already been charged with murder and remanded in custody.

And on Friday, officers made two further arrests in connection with Andy’s death - bringing the overall total to of arrested people to 12.

One of those arrested, 39-year-old Yousef Wynne of Wuppertal Court in Jarrow, has now been charged with murder.

He has been remanded and is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ court tomorrow.

A 24-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on police bail.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, of Northumbria Police, said: “Andy’s family are still coming to terms with what has happened, and we are continuing to support them in any way we can.

“The public have been very supportive of our efforts so far and I hope our continued work and further arrests show just how seriously we are taking this incident.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and we are still keen to hear from anyone with further information which could help us get answers for Andy’s loved ones.

“Once again, I would ask that the public stays away from any speculation or social media commentary, as this may jeopardise the live legal proceedings.”

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to report via Northumbria Police's website, or call 101, quoting reference number NP-20230820-1369.

Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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