An alleged murder victim has tonight been named as seven people aged between 15 and 51 have been arrested in connection with his death.
Gary Belfield, aged 40, died at the scene of an incident inside a home in Felling, Gateshead, on Saturday evening. He was found by emergency responders with serious injuries consistent with having been caused by a bladed article and was pronounced deceased a short time later.
A second man, in his 20s, was also found seriously injured in the property and remains in hospital at this time.
Northumbria Police were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of concern for the welfare of a man at a property on Elliott Drive shortly after 9.10pm on Saturday (April 27).
The Force's Major Incident Team (MIT) immediately launched an investigation and enquiries have been carried out at a number of addresses across Felling and Walker, Newcastle.
Officers have so far made seven arrests in connection with the investigation and all seven individuals remain in police custody at this time. They are:
- A male, aged 17, arrested on suspicion of murder
- A male, aged 21, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder
- A female, aged 22, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder
- A female, aged 15, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
- A female, aged 21, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
- A female, aged 51, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
- A male, aged 35, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: "Our thoughts are with Gary’s family and loved ones following an incredibly difficult 48 hours, and we will continue to offer any support they need.
"We ask that they are given the time and space that they need to grieve as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.
"Officers will remain at the scene and across the wider area as part of the ongoing investigation, and we encourage anyone who has information to speak to them or report to us directly."
Det Ch Insp Jenkins added: "I would like to reiterate that those involved are believed to be known to each other, and there is no wider risk to the public. I would also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation and to avoid any speculation on social media.
"We have zero tolerance for violence, and I want to assure our communities we will do all we can to get answers for Gary's family."
Anyone with information can contact police via the ‘Report’ page of Northumbria Police’s website or by calling 101, quoting reference NP-20240427-1086. Members of the public can also provide information and submit materials in connection with this investigation by visiting Northumbria Police's dedicated Major Incident Public Portal online: Public Portal, here.
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