Tributes to alleged Elswick murder victim described as an 'absolute angel' who 'would never harm a fly'
by Sophie Doughty · ChronicleLiveNeighbours have spoken of their shock after a man was allegedly murdered on a residential street in Newcastle.
The victim, who is in his 60s was found seriously injured when police were called to a home on Sceptre Place in Elswick, at around 6.30pm yesterday. He was pronounced dead soon after.
Today, as detectives question a woman on suspicion of murder, neighbours have paid tribute to the man, who has been described as a well-known and well-liked resident of the estate.
Joanne Robson, who has also known the victim all her life, arrived at the scene with flowers. The 40-year-old, said she was "gob smacked" when she heard what had happened
"That man would never harm a fly," she said. "He was the nicest person you would ever meet. I’ve known him from being a baby, he’s been here all my life.
"He would always greet you by your name. There’s seven of us but he always remembered your name.
"I got a phone call last night. I’m struggling to comprehend that that poor man has lost his life like that. Everybody liked him. He was honestly the best person. I loved him. I knew I would have to come and lay some flowers. It’s awful."
Another woman who came to pay her respects added: "He would walk miles for you. He was an absolute angel. I never heard him shouting or swearing."
A police officer took Joanne’s flowers and placed them behind the cordon. Meanwhile the police search team began digging in gardens at nearby homes. They were also searching through bins.
Another man who lives nearby told ChronicleLive he had been told the alleged victim was a pensioner he had known all his life.
And the 44-year-old, who did not want to be named, said he was a well-known and liked resident of the estate.
"He was a nice fella, everyone liked him," he said. "I have known him all my life. It’s a real shock.
"He liked bets and he likes the horses. He was just a nice gentleman. He used to walk around talking to people. Everyone talked highly of him. He wouldn’t harm a fly.
Today a large area of Sceptre Place is cordoned off with police tape and there is a heavy police presence. The neighbour said he had seen the man just hours before the alleged attack.
"I actually seen him yesterday," he said. "He just passed and said hello. Then at teatime I was upstairs and seen all the lights."
Sceptre Place is close to where teenager Gordon Gault collapsed after being stabbed with a machete two years ago.
The neighbour added; "It’s a total shock, it’s really shocking. After what happened to Gordon down the bottom and then this you are frightened to let the kids out. I have got grandkids."
Det Insp Mark Atherton, of Northumbria Police's Major Investigation Team, said: "Firstly, our thoughts remain firmly with the family and loved ones of the man who has died. This is a tragic incident and we will offer them any support they need.
"We have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the man’s death and have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder. Whilst our enquiries are at an early stage, we believe those involved to be known to each other.
"We would ask anyone with information – no matter how small you feel it may be – to contact us so that we can ascertain what took place and give the man’s family the answers they deserve. If you can assist, please get in touch."
Northumbria Police encouraged anyone with information to send a direct message on social media, use the live chat or Report page on their website, provide information through the online Public Portal, or by calling 101. The log number is NP-20241111-0911.
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