Third man charged with murder after death near Sunderland border

 A third man has been charged in connection with the murder of Andy Foster – and a string of further arrests made.

Shortly after 11pm on Sunday, August 20, police received a report via the ambulance service that a man had been assaulted at an address on Eighton Terrace in Wrekenton, close to where Gateshead borders with Sunderland.

It was reported that two offenders had allegedly approached the property and knocked on the front door.

When the victim opened the door, they sprayed him with a substance suspected to be ammonia and made off from the scene, said Northumbria Police.

The victim – 26-year-old Andy Foster – was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. However, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he sadly passed away.

An investigation was immediately launched with police treating Andy’s death as suspicious.

Today, Friday, October 27, a third man has been charged with murder.

He is Josh Craig Hawthorn, 21, of Ashfield, Jarrow, and he is due to appear before magistrates sitting at Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow, Saturday, October 28.

Two men were previously charged with murder and remanded in custody ahead of a trial date set for early next year.

Officers have also confirmed four further arrests were made this week.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion conspiracy to commit robbery and three women – aged 26, 34 and 37 – were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have all been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, of Northumbria Police, said: “We continue to offer support to Andy’s family as they try to come to terms with their loss.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their continued support and cooperation throughout our investigation.

“I hope the arrests and charges this week send a strong message that our investigation is far from over.

“We are still keen to hear from anyone with further information which could help us get answers for Andy’s loved ones.  

“I would also ask that the public please refrain from any speculation or commentary, either in the community or online, that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.”

Anyone with information should use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101 quoting reference number NP-20230820-1369.

Members of the public can also provide information and submit materials in connection with this investigation by visiting Northumbria Police’s dedicated Major Incident Public Portal online: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

They can also share information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.