Two murders took place within hours

Sep 29 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

TWO murder investigations were launched yesterday after two men were stabbed to death in separate attacks within the space of 48 hours.

While tributes were paid to a popular young man who was found stabbed to death just yards from his County Durham home, the calm in a quiet residential area of Northumberland was shattered when a man died after he was stabbed in the neck.

Anthony Blakelock, 21, of Cook Crescent in Murton, County Durham, was found bleeding in the street at around 4am on Saturday.

The popular youngster was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital but despite efforts to save his life he died shortly after arrival.

James Barrass, 22, who also lives on Cook Crescent and was a childhood friend, said Mr Blakelock was an only child who worked at his father’s taxi company and was a devoted fan of Newcastle United Football Club.

Spots of blood were found on the pavement and a knife, which has been recovered by police, was discovered nearby.

Yesterday, flowers were laid at the spot where he died on the corner of Barnes Road and Wellfield Road, only 200 yards from his home.

And two single roses were placed on the windscreen of the vehicle owned by Mr Blakelock’s father, Phillip.

Mr Barrass said: “He was a really good lad. He had his ups and downs like anyone, but he was energetic and always wanted to party.

“His dad put a brave face on but obviously he will not be happy. His girlfriend Keeley took it really bad. She doesn’t believe it like all of us.”

His attacker fled the scene but police inquiries soon led officers to a house in Luke Crescent in Murton, where at 5.20am a local man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

House to house inquiries took place in Murton and the scene of the crime was cordoned off to allow a full forensic examination to be conducted.

Around 30 detectives, plus other specialist staff are working on the investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Darren Ellis.

He said: “While I appreciate local residents will naturally be concerned by what has happened, we have no reason at this stage to think this is part of any trend or pattern.”

Last night an 18-year-old man was charged with the murder of Anthony Blakelock.

He will appear before magistrates in Peterlee this morning.

Meanwhile, neighbours spoke of their shock yesterday after a man was stabbed in a house in Oakwood Terrace, Ashington, just before 1am.

Police found the body of Gary Carr at his home. The 38-year-old had suffered stab wounds to the neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene and a knife was recovered.

A 46-year-old Ashington man was arrested in connection with the death and was helping police with their inquiries last night.

Part of Oakland Terrace remained taped off by police while scenes of crime officers carried out forensic tests inside the house and two uniformed officers stood guard.

Most neighbours said yesterday they had been unaware of the incident until they woke up to find police officers in the street.