Neighbours pay tribute to 'hard working' and 'lovely lad' Andrew Mather as Sunderland murder investigation continues

Shocked neighbours have paid tribute to a ‘lovely lad’ who they say would do anything to help as a murder investigation into his death continues.
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Northumbria Police has named Andrew John Mather as the 48-year-old man whose body was found by emergency services at an address in Aintree Road, Farringdon, on Wednesday, June 3.

Four people, two men and two women, have now been arrested on suspicion of murder and another man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender – all five remain in police custody at this time.

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Neighbours have now paid tribute to 48-year-old dad Andrew, who they know as Andy, as the street comes to terms with the shocking news.

Residents on Aintree Road have spoken of their shock as a murder investigation in launched after the death of Andrew MatherResidents on Aintree Road have spoken of their shock as a murder investigation in launched after the death of Andrew Mather
Residents on Aintree Road have spoken of their shock as a murder investigation in launched after the death of Andrew Mather

Linda Chapman, 52, said: “I’m really shocked about it. He was a nice man, he worked hard.

“I’ve lived here a long time and so has he – it’s really sad.

“He was a hard working man. He will be so sadly missed, he really will. He had a lot of friends and family who supported him. He’s a lovely man.

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“I just can’t believe it. I was terrified, I was scared to come home. It’s just so strange, it’s a lovely area.

Andrew John Mather, 48, of Sunderland.Andrew John Mather, 48, of Sunderland.
Andrew John Mather, 48, of Sunderland.

“I really feel for his family. It’s just so sad.”

Another neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “He was a lovely lad, a smashing lad. He’d help you if he could and he never bothered anybody.

“He was hard working. He was a really nice lad.”

She added: “It’s shocked the whole of the estate really because it’s a friendly neighbourhood.

Police cordon at Aintree Road, Farringdon following four people arrested on suspicion of murderPolice cordon at Aintree Road, Farringdon following four people arrested on suspicion of murder
Police cordon at Aintree Road, Farringdon following four people arrested on suspicion of murder

“He was really chirpy, if he wasn’t at work he’d come out and have a chat.”

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Emergency services attended and found the body of Andrew John Mather, 48, of Sunderland inside the address.

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

Forensics have been at the scene throughout the day.Forensics have been at the scene throughout the day.
Forensics have been at the scene throughout the day.

Another neighbour said: “I saw the ambulance at first, I thought he had taken bad and then the police came shortly after.

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“It’s really scary. Nobody knows what’s gone on. It’s so sad to hear that someone has lost their life."

Two men, aged 32 and 45, and two women, aged 38 and 18, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A 50-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

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All five individuals remain in police custody and are assisting officers with their inquiries.

Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: “We would like to thank those who have come forward with information, and ask anybody else who say anything suspicious on Aintree Road between Tuesday evening and Wednesday lunchtime to get in touch with police as soon as possible.”

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Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 389 030620. Alternatively, you can use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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