Two arrested as teen killed in assault

Mar 25 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

TWO men were arrested last night after a teenager died following an assault in Newcastle.

The attack happened shortly after 10pm on Sunday night at a home in Grace Street, Byker.

Detectives yesterday said the 19-year-old man died after receiving serious injuries in the attack.

The arrests came after police issued an appeal for information about three men said to have left the scene armed with planks of wood. Officers are still hunting the third suspect.

Neighbours reported seeing the man being carried from the house on a stretcher late on Sunday night.

One woman said: “I looked out of my window and saw them carrying him out and putting him into what looked like either an ambulance or a big police van.

“You could tell he was in a bad way. There were a lot of police cars parked in the street – I hadn’t heard anything so it all came as a bit of a surprise.”

Other people living in the street who knew the dead man described him as a hard-working and friendly person.

One neighbour said: “It is a terrible thing to happen. We didn’t hear anything apart from one loud bang, like something being dropped on to the floor, and then a short time later the police arrived.

“I didn’t know him very well, but when we did see him in the street, he was always very friendly. He seemed like a kind man. It is just horrible.

“You get the occasional group of youngsters causing trouble around here but never anything like this.”

The third man who police want to trace is in his early to mid-20s, 5ft 10-11in, stocky, and was wearing dark-coloured clothing.

An alleyway to the rear of the street was sealed off by police yesterday as officers carried out forensic tests.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade said: “We are making extensive inquiries to find those responsible for this assault. We would ask people to contact the police if they have any information which may help with this investigation.

“An incident room has been set up at Byker Police Station.”

A post-mortem examination is being carried out to establish the cause of death.

A police spokesman added: “Extra patrols will be carried out in the area to reassure local residents.

“Anyone with any concerns should contact police to discuss them.”

If anyone has any information that may help the police, they should call 0845 604-3043 and ask for the incident room at Byker Police Station. Alternatively, they can should ask for extension 62832 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.