Flowers left at scene of Sunderland murder investigation as neighbours pay tribute to 'nice lad'

Paramedics and police officers descended on the quiet Silksworth street in the early hours of the morning where they found a man with serious, life-threatening injuries.

Despite attempts to save his life, the 24-year-old died at the scene.

His family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers at this time – although the victim’s name has not yet been confirmed by detectives.

A 25-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and forensics remain at the scene in Park Avenue, Silksworth, on Friday, June 18.

Detectives have confirmed the man arrested and the victim are known to each other and want to reassure residents this was not a random attack between strangers.

Flowers have already been left outside the house as neighbours pay tribute to the ‘really nice lad’.

Neighbours say the street was flooded with around six police cars in the early hours as well as paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service.

One woman, who lived nearby, said: "This is just one of these streets where nothing really happens. We still can’t really believe it. It’s just horrendous.

"We don’t really know them, just in passing – they keep themselves to themselves. We know very little about him.

"We still don’t really know what’s happened just that somebody has died and that’s terrible.”

Another neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I was woke up at about 1am to the paramedics and the police.

"It’s just a shock, they’ve lived there for a long time I always used to see him out walking the dog.

“I can’t believe it, it’s such a shock. I didn’t really know him that well but he seemed like a really nice lad.

"To be woke up to something like this. I think my husband said there was six police cars in the street."

A forensic team entered the property on Friday morning and a number of police vehicles remain parked in the street with two officers stood outside the Park Avenue address.

Another neighbour told the Echo: "I’ve lived here for a long time and I don’t even know the lady’s name who lives in the property. She just keeps herself to herself and her son does as well.

"They’re no bother, it’s just a really quiet street.

"I didn’t hear anything last night but I woke up just after 1am to the sound of car doors shutting.

"It’s really shocking. You don’t expect it on your doorstep, it’s like something out of a movie scene.

"He’s just so young, it’s quite scary and upsetting.”

Northumbria Police are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward and speak to police.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, of Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), said: “Firstly I would like to say my thought are with the victim’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“We know that incident likes this can have a big impact on the local community and enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what has happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force’s website or by calling 101 quoting log 58 18/06/21.

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