Police search buildings across Sunderland as murder investigation into death of Andrew Mather continues

The body of Andrew John Mather was sadly found at his home in Aintree Road, Farringdon, around 12pm on Wednesday, June 3.

An investigation was launched and detectives were initially treating the 48-year-old’s death as ‘unexplained’ however four people, two men aged 32 and 45 and two women aged 38 and 18, have now been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All five remain in police custody on this morning (Friday, June 5).

Pictures shows police at the scene of two buildings in Sunderland as officers continue to investigate the circumstances around Mr Mather’s death.

On Thursday, June 4, a PCSO was pictured outside an address in Purley Road, in the Plains Farm area of Sunderland, and witnesses say a forensic team was seen entering the property.

A police cordon also remains in place this morning outside a garage in York Road, New Silksworth.

Northumbria Police were initially alerted by the ambulance service to concern for a man at an address on Aintree Road at around midday on Wednesday.

Emergency services attended and found the body of Mr Mather inside the address.

His family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers at this time.

Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said yesterday: “This is a tragic time for them and we will continue to support them in any way we can.

“They have asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with their devastating loss.

“Over the last 24 hours, we have been carrying out a range of inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding Andrew’s death.

“We have spoken to a number of individuals in connection with the incident and five people remain in custody.

“An increased police presence remains at the scene as officers carry out inquiries and offer any reassurance to the public.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 389 030620, or via the Tell Us Something page of the Northumbria Police website.

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