Sunderland police investigations: Latest on three separate inquiries into four deaths in city

Following a week that saw major police investigations across the city, we look at the latest updates on three separate incidents which resulted in the deaths of four people.

On Monday, February 24, police confirmed they were investigating a suspected murder after human remains were found inside a private garage in Tunstall Village Green, Silksworth.

Detectives later revealed that the suspected murder victim was 53-year-old Mark Herron, of New Silksworth.

In a separate incident two days later, on February 26, police discovered the bodies of mother Janice Woolford and her son Michael in Satley Gardens and a second murder probe was launched.

On Friday, February 28, police were called to a house in Lumley Street, Millfield, and an investigation is currently ongoing into the ‘unexplained’ death.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson confirmed: “There is no link whatsoever into these respective incidents.”

Tunstall Village Green murder probe – Monday, February 24

Who is the victim?

Northumbria Police confirmed Mark Herron, a 53-year-old from New Silksworth, died in the fire which tore through the garage overnight on Tuesday, February 18.

Specialist officers continue to support his family, who paid tribute to him in a statement.

They said: “We are absolutely devastated by Mark’s death. Words can’t describe the pain we are feeling as we try to come to terms with our loss.”

Has anyone been arrested?

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the days following the blaze on Sunday, February 23.

Northumbria Police confirmed to the Echo on Tuesday, February 25, that the man was released under investigation.

When were emergency services first called and when was a murder inquiry launched?

Firefighters were first called to detached garage ablaze at 8.30pm on Tuesday, February 18.

Crews battled the fire through the night before leaving the scene at around 9am on Wednesday, February 19.

The garage was 'significantly damaged’ in the blaze and days later on Sunday, February 23, investigating teams discovered human remains under ‘substantial and dense rubble’.

Northumbria Police confirmed on Monday, February 24, that a murder inquiry had been launched.

What happens next?

Detective Inspector Graeme Dodds, the senior investigating officer on the case, urged the public to come forward with any information that could be relevant.

In calling for the public’s help, the officer added: “That could prove the key to ensuring swift and robust action is taken against anybody found to be responsible.”

Suspected murder-suicide at Satley Gardens, Tunstall – Wednesday, Ferbuary 26

Who died in the house?

Northumbria Police confirmed the bodies of 68-year-old mother Janice Woolford and her son Michael, 44, were discovered after emergency services responded to reports of concern for a woman.

Ms Woolford died of injuries which detectives say are ‘consistent with a stabbing’.

While her son Michael did not sustain any injuries police say they believe he died after taking a large quantity of drugs.

Has anyone been arrested?

No one has been arrested in relation to the deaths. Police say there is no wider threat to the public and confirmed detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

On Friday, February 28, Northumbria Police confirmed they are treating the incident as a ‘murder-suicide’.

When were emergency services first called?

Emergency services were called to the house in Satley Gardens, Tunstall, to reports of concern for a woman shortly after 10am on Wednesday, February 26.

Police found the body of a 68-year-old woman who had suffered injuries consistent with a stabbing.

Officers also found the body of a 44-year-old man who had not suffered any visible injuries but who police believe had taken a large quantity of drugs.

Inquiries into the circumstances around the deaths are ongoing but detectives are treating the death of the 68-year-old mother, Janice Woolford, as murder.

What happens next?

Anyone with information surrounding the deaths is asked to call 101 quoting log 230 26/02/20 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Investigation into ‘unexplained’ death in Lumley Street – Friday, February 28

Why were police called to the house?

Northumbria Police confirmed to the Echo that it was called to a report of a body of a man inside a house in Lumley Street at 5.10pm on Friday, February 28.

Emergency services attended the property and confirmed a 45-year-old man had died at the scene.

Why were police at the house all weekend?

An investigation into the circumstances around the death are ongoing and it is currently being treated as ‘unexplained’.

Police were in the area over the course of the weekend but confirmed this is an ‘isolated incident’ and there is no wider threat to the community.

The investigation is ongoing and police are yet to release any further details.