Christmas Day murder suspect remanded in custody after Sunderland man's death

A suspect has been remanded in custody after he was charged with the Christmas Day murder of a Sunderland man.
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A police investigation was launched shortly before 11.20pm on Saturday, December 25, when officers were alerted by North East Ambulance Service that a man had been injured at an address in Sunderland Road, Newbottle.

Emergency services attended and found 39-year-old Simon Birch, of Sunderland, “with a serious injury consistent with having been caused by a bladed article”.

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Northumbria Police added on December 27: “Despite efforts by paramedics, sadly he died at the scene.

Police at the scene of the murder inquiry in Sunderland Road, Newbottle, on December 27.Police at the scene of the murder inquiry in Sunderland Road, Newbottle, on December 27.
Police at the scene of the murder inquiry in Sunderland Road, Newbottle, on December 27.

“Simon’s next of kin are continuing to be offered support by specialist family liaison officers at this time.

“A suspect was arrested a short time after the alleged incident and was brought into custody.”

Adam Jenkins, 34, of Sunderland Road, Newbottle, appeared briefly before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on December 27 after he was charged with Mr Birch’s murder.

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He was remanded in custody to appear before a judge at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, January 24, 2022.

A picture of what appears to be a police tent inside the grounds of the Newbottle property.A picture of what appears to be a police tent inside the grounds of the Newbottle property.
A picture of what appears to be a police tent inside the grounds of the Newbottle property.

In the meantime, an application for bail is expected to be made at the crown court on Wednesday, December 29.

Detectives and forensics officers were still at the property on Monday as their inquiries continued.

The force have thanked people for helping them with the investigation and again urged anyone with information to contact them.

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Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with Simon’s family and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this awful time.

“A man has now been charged with Simon’s murder and I would ask that people refrain from any speculation on social media or in the local community that could prejudice the live case.

“All parties are believed to be known to each other and there is no wider threat to the public.

“I would like to thank the community for their support and co-operation throughout this investigation, as well as all those who have assisted with our inquiries.”

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Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of Northumbria Police’s website or by calling 101, quoting log NP-20211225-0752.

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