A man who suffered life-threatening injuries following an assault in a North East car park last week has died.
Northumbria Police have confirmed Andrew Peart, 39, has died after suffering an alleged assault at a car park opposite Guide Post Square, on Stakeford Terrace, Guide Post at around 10:15pm on Tuesday (August 22).
He had previously sustained a head injury and attended Accident and Emergency on Wednesday (August 23).
His condition deteriorated and he sadly died from his injuries earlier today (Wednesday).
Read more: Man suffers life-threatening injuries in Choppington assault
Northumbria Police are now treating Mr Peart's death as murder and have launched an investigation.
Mr Peart's next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Officers have launched a murder investigation after a man died following an assault in Northumberland.
"Shortly after 8.20am on Wednesday, August 23, police were contacted by medical staff at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington who were caring for an injured man.
"It was reported that the man – who can now be named as 39-year-old Andrew Peart – had previously sustained a head injury and attended Accident and Emergency to be checked over earlier that day.
Read more: Stockton addict sold drugs to undercover police officer
"After being admitted to hospital, his condition deteriorated and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died from his injuries earlier today (Wednesday).
"An investigation was launched by officers from the Force’s Major Investigation Team, who believe Andrew’s injuries were sustained as a result of a suspected assault on Stakeford Lane, near Guide Post Working Men’s Club, in Guide Post, Northumberland sometime between 10.15 and 10.30pm on Tuesday, August 22.
"Today (Wednesday), officers have confirmed they are now treating Andrew’s death as murder."
Police were contacted at 8.20am by medical staff at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington who were caring for an injured man.
A 28-year-old man previously charged with causing grievous bodily harm in relation to this incident appeared before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Monday (August 28). Following the hearing he was remanded in custody.
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers are asking anyone with information to get in touch.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, said: “Firstly, my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police are with Andrew’s family and friends at this tragic time.
“We will continue to support them in whatever way we can as they come to terms with their loss.”
Det Ch Insp Barr added: “This is an incredibly serious incident and a number of enquiries are being carried out to determine exactly what happened leading up to and following the assault – but we still need the public’s help.
“We’d like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Stakeford Lane area of Guide Post on the night of Tuesday, August 22, particularly around Guide Post Working Men’s Club.
“This includes any motorists who may have dash-cam footage as they passed the area between 10pm and 10.45pm, or any residents or business owners who may have CCTV or doorbell camera footage in the vicinity.
Read next:
- Balaclava-clad men rob man outside Middlesbrough shops
- Stanley man's death likely caused by asbestos at work
- Railway heritage's Signal House in Darlington to become housing
Stay informed and up to date with a digital subscription to The Northern Echo. Only £3 for 3 months. Click here.
“Although we believe this is an isolated incident – and there is no risk to the wider public – officers remain in the area to offer reassurance to the community and carry out enquiries to assist with the ongoing investigation.
"Any information, however small, could be really helpful to our ongoing investigation, so please get in touch if you think you can help – we’d like to hear from you."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230823-0273.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here