Two Charged Over Newcastle Murder
9 June 2015, 05:27 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50
Two men have been charged over the murder of a man with learning difficulties in Newcastle.
The body of 24 year old Lee Irving from Camperdown was found on a pathway in Fawdon on Saturday 6th June.
28 year old James Wheatley,of Studdon Walk, Newcastle has been charged with murder.
31 year old Barry Imray, of no fixed abode, is charged with murder and perverting the course of justice.
Both are due to appear at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court this morning (Tuesday 9th June)
Two males aged 50 and 23 years old, along with two females aged 50 and 20 years old have been bailed pending further enquiries.
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8th June 2015, 2:30pm
Police have now arrested a sixth person in connection with a man in Fawdon at the weekend.
The five people who were arrested on Sunday remain in custody in connection with the investigation.
Northumbria Police is releasing a statement on behalf of Lee's family:
"Lee was a wonderful young man. Loved by many, he used to love ice-skating, going to the pictures and enjoying life. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him. What we have lost is irreplaceable and we must live with our loss every day.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported us at this devastating time. Lee will always remain in our hearts and thoughts."
___________________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8th June 2015, 6am
The death of a man, whose body was found on a path in Fawdon, is being treated as a disability hate crime.
24 year old Lee Irving, who had learning difficulties and was described as "vulnerable'', was discovered on a grassed area in Newcastle on Saturday.
Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Northumbria Police said they are investigating whether Mr Irving's learning difficulties were a factor in his death.
Superintendent Bruce Storey said:
"It's thought those involved in this incident know each other.
Lee had learning difficulties and was vulnerable. One of our key lines of inquiry was to establish whether this is a factor in his death and a motivation in this crime.''
Emergency services were called to an area near a pathway between Dorrington Road and Hazeldene Avenue in Fawdon at around 8.34am on Saturday.
Mr Irving, from Camperdown, East Denton, was declared dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination was carried out.
Police said the local community are "shocked and appalled'' by Mr Irving's death and extra officers are carrying out patrols in the area to offer reassurance.
Inquiries are ongoing and police want to speak to anyone who was in Fawdon between 7am and 9am on Saturday morning.
______________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 7th June 2015
Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a man was found on a grassed area in Newcastle.
The 24-year-old was discovered after officers were called at around 8.34am yesterday following reports of concern for a man, Northumbria Police said.
Emergency services attended the area near a pathway between Dorrington Road and Hazeldene Avenue in Fawdon, and the victim was declared dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination has been carried out, and detectives have launched a murder investigation.
Inquiries are continuing and police want to speak with anyone who was in the area between 7am and 9am on Saturday, including flyer distributors who are believed to have been in Fawdon at the time.
Extra uniformed officers are on patrol in the area to reassure the public.
Anyone with information can call 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 407 of 06/06/15 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
