Teens arrested in connection with death of Andrew Smart

Mar 3 2010 by Sophie Doughty, The Journal

THREE boys have been arrested in connection with the murder of a man whose battered body was found by worried neighbours.

The blood-covered body of Andrew Smart was found at his home, on Sibthorpe Street, North Shields, by a neighbour who went to investigate after noticing his front door was open on Sunday evening.

A post-mortem has now revealed the 47-year-old died of multiple injuries following a sustained attack.

A murder probe has now been launched by Northumbria Police’s Major Investigations Team. An incident room has been set up at North Shields Police Station.

Three teenage boys, aged 13, 14 and 15, were arrested in connection with the death and have been released on bail.

Last night Det Chief Insp Peter Bent, who is leading the inquiry, appealed for help to piece together what happened to Mr Smart during the last week of his life.