A murder investigation is taking place today (Sunday April 2) after a man was killed outside a North East pub.

Police received a report that two men had been struck by a van outside the Bay Horse, in Cramlington, at about 10pm last night (Saturday April 1), following an alleged earlier disturbance inside the premises.

Emergency services soon reached the Sanderson Terrace premises, but the Northumbria force stated: “Sadly, one man, aged 55, was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The other casualty, also aged 55, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and was said to remain in a critical condition today.

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Both families have been notified and are receiving specialist support by officers today.

The investigation was launched by the force’s Major Investigation Team and a number of inquiries have been carried out to locate those involved.

Two men, aged 32 and 37, and a 27-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in police custody today.

A vehicle was recovered from Broadway, in nearby Blyth, where additional officers have been deployed to the area as the investigation continues.

Detective Superintendent Jane Fairlamb, the senior investigating officer, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life, and another hospitalised with serious injuries.

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“Our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time, and we’d ask their privacy is respected.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and there will be additional officers deployed across the Cramlington and Blyth areas today (Sunday), while we carry out further inquiries and speak with witnesses.”

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She urged anyone with information that may be of use to investigators, or concerns in the wake of the incident, to contact police.

But she reassured the general local populace: “There is no wider risk to the public and we would ask people to refrain from any type of speculation or commentary on social media about the case, while inquiries remain ongoing.”

Anyone with information should call 101, or use the Tell Us Something page online, quoting log NP-20230401-1194.