Victim of street murder

Jun 27 2009 by Sophie Doughty, The Journal

THIS is the first picture of murdered Lee Matthewson. The 21-year-old was stabbed to death during a disturbance on Bolam Road in Ashington on Monday.

Emergency services were called to the street during the early hours of the morning. Mr Matthewson was taken to Wansbeck District Hospital but he was pronounced dead at around 5.45am.

Three men were arrested in connection with the attack. They have been questioned and released on bail.

Murder detectives are still trying to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to Lee’s death.

And anyone who witnessed the attack is being urged to call police.

Det Chief Insp Paul Young, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would urge anyone who witnessed or heard a disturbance in the area of Bolam Drive on the night of Sunday, June 21, or the early hours of Monday, June 22, to please come forward.”

A post mortem examination revealed that Mr Matthewson died of a single stab wound.

People living in the area were left shocked by the attack.

Loved ones of the victim have visited the scene to leave floral tributes.

Supt Allan Brown said: “The local neighbourhood policing officers are in the area providing reassurance to the public.

“I’d ask anyone with any concerns or who has any information about this incident to contact their local policing team.”

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Bolam Drive, Ashington, between midnight and 1am to call 03456 043 043.