Teenager killed in Tyneside stabbing

May 3 2007 By Journal reporter

A 16-year-old boy who was stabbed in the neck in Newcastle’s West End was trying to make his way home, police have said.

Mark James Smith was found by ambulance crews with knife wounds in his neck in Elswick Road, 200 yeards from where he was stabbed. He was taken to the city’s General Hospital where he died of his injuries.

A spokesman said it appeared there was an altercation around Gill Street.

DCI Roger Ford, leading the murder investigation, said: "We believe that at the time this happened, about 11.10pm, there were a number of people in the areas of Gill Street, Axbridge Gardens and Elswick Road.

"I have no doubt that members of the public who were walking, driving or living in the area would have seen or heard something.

"I would urge these people to contact the police urgently. Knife crime is completely unacceptable and it’s vital that people come forward with information.

Another boy, also 16, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Forensic officers wearing white suits are working in a tent outside the Spicy Solutions takeaway and floral tributes have been left close by.

One card read simply: "Thinking of you Mark, you should still be here."

Less than 100 yards from the flowers, two public phone boxes are cordoned off, neighbouring streets and a general store are shut and about 20 yellow plastic markers on the road show what are believed to be bloodstains.

For more on this story, see tomorrow's Journal.