Man arrested on suspicion of murder after human remains found in aftermath of garage fire on Tunstall Village Green

A murder probe has been launched after human remains were discovered in the wake of a garage blaze.
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Now Northumbria Police has confirmed it is at the centre of a murder inquiry after remains were found at the scene, which was left with “significant damage”

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An investigation was launched into the cause of the fire, and as part of those enquiries, officers have now discovered human remains under substantial and dense rubble.

Police are on the scene of the fire in Tunstall Village Green which has led to the launch of a murder inquiry. Photo by Candice Farrow.Police are on the scene of the fire in Tunstall Village Green which has led to the launch of a murder inquiry. Photo by Candice Farrow.
Police are on the scene of the fire in Tunstall Village Green which has led to the launch of a murder inquiry. Photo by Candice Farrow.

A number of Inquiries have been carried out since the incident, and police are currently treating the death as suspicious as detectives map out a timeline of events.

Yesterday, Sunday, February 23, a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He remains in police custody at this time and is assisting officers with their inquiries, with the scene cordoned off and police guarding the scene.

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Neighbours shock as human remains found after Tunstall Village Green garage fire...
A cordon was thrown around the scene when the fire broke out.A cordon was thrown around the scene when the fire broke out.
A cordon was thrown around the scene when the fire broke out.
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Detective Inspector Graeme Dodds, of Northumbria Police, has now asked anybody with any information that may assist the ongoing investigation to come forward.

“This was clearly a very serious incident that has resulted in a tragic death,”

Det Insp Dodds said. “Significant work is ongoing at the scene which may take some time to complete.

“At present, we are treating the person’s death as suspicious but this investigation remains at a very early stage and we are remaining open-minded as to the circumstances behind the incident.

The scene of the blaze last week.The scene of the blaze last week.
The scene of the blaze last week.
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“The blaze caused a huge amount of damage inside the garage, and we are now determined to map out a chronology of events and find out the circumstances that led to this fire.

“While a formal identification process has yet to be concluded, we have notified the family of the suspected victim and are offering them support.

“We are currently interviewing one man in connection with the incident and he continues to assist officers with their inquiries.

“A visible policing presence will be seen in the area as officers continue to carry out enquiries and offer any reassurance to residents.

The scene of a fire in a garage, Tunstall Village, shortly after the fire was put out. Picture by Frank Reid.The scene of a fire in a garage, Tunstall Village, shortly after the fire was put out. Picture by Frank Reid.
The scene of a fire in a garage, Tunstall Village, shortly after the fire was put out. Picture by Frank Reid.
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“I would now ask anybody who has any information and who has yet to come forward to come forward and contact police.

“Your information could prove crucial as we look to find out how this tragic incident came about.”

At the height of the blaze, four fire appliances were drafted in to tackle the blaze, with the service saying the cause of the fire at that stage was not yet know.

One appliance was left at the scene at 4.19am and all crews were stood down by 9am on Wednesday, February 19.

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The residents were not believed to have been at home during the blaze.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 375 230220 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.