Residents of a close-knit Stockton estate have reacted in shock after a murder probe was launched on their doorsteps following the death of a young man. 

Police and paramedics rushed to Stainmore Close and Wrensfield Road on Wednesday evening (June 26) after a man was "stabbed" in the street. 

A huge cordon was erected across the road following the incident around 6.40pm, with pictures showing white-suited investigators placing yellow evidence markers along the road while several officers stand guard. 

Cleveland Police later confirmed that the 23-year-old victim was taken to hospital, where he sadly died a short time later. 

Crime scene investigators in StocktonCrime scene investigators in Stockton (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

A murder investigation has now been launched - with the force saying a 28-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident and is being held in custody on suspicion of murder.

The Northern Echo visited the scene on Thursday morning where blue and white tape remained strewn across the street, with several officers and a large police van also present. 

One 62-year-old neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to The Echo from her front door, just metres away from the crime scene.

The woman, who has lived in the area for the last 32 years, said: "Police cordoned it off near enough straightaway. My door was open and I was sat in the kitchen.

Officers guarding the scene on WednesdayOfficers guarding the scene on Wednesday (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“Someone came in saying have you seen? There’s been a kerfuffle up the road? Two minutes later, police and ambulances came. There were about six to seven police cars - this was about 6.45pm.

“It was halfway down the street and there was a lot of people at the top. We just heard things from word-of-mouth.

“It was a massive shock. You get good and bad on this estate but never anything like this. Nothing this bad. People are great on this estate - if I won the lottery, I don’t think I’d move.

“I love this estate and everyone knows everyone -  everyone looks after each other. It came to about 11 pm before I could sleep as I was thinking about it.”

 

'Nothing that drastic'

One resident, aged 26, was walking back from the pizza shop with his son when they stumbled across the incident: “We were coming up the road and the next minute it was all cordoned off. 

“When me and my son were walking up, it wasn’t fully cordoned off yet, there was an ambulance and a few police. 

A large cordon was erected across the street in StocktonA large cordon was erected across the street in Stockton (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“The police have just been here all night. I’ve lived here for 4 years - there’s always the odd argument in the street but nothing that drastic. 

“It’s more of a shock for my son, he’s only 5-years-old. It was unexpected - this is known as a rough area but if you keep yourself to yourself you get no bother."

Another nearby resident added: “We had just heard shouting and then we looked out the window. Police and paramedics arrived quickly after. 

“I’ve lived here for 28 years, it’s normally alright. It was more of a shock when you see all the tape, that was put up pretty much straight away. We just keep ourselves to ourselves.”

 

Street 'full of police'

One 22-year-old, who has lived here all of her life and again wanted to be anonymous, told how the street was "full of police following the incident." However, she was not left in shock. 

She explained: "You see things like this all the time - it’s Wrensfield, and it’s a common thing.”

Police and CSI investigators in StocktonPolice and CSI investigators in Stockton (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Recalling the incident, she said she heard shouting before 999 crews swarmed the street.

“Three minutes later police arrived," she explained. "The full top of the street was full of police - it was full all night. Most of them have just left.”

A full statement from Cleveland Police said: "A 23-year-old man has died following an incident in Stockton yesterday evening, Wednesday 26 June 2024.

"The incident happened in Wrensfield Road shortly before 6.40pm, when the victim was stabbed by another man. The 23-year-old victim was taken to hospital, where he sadly died a short time later.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 4 months for just £4, or get 40% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

"A 28-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident and he is being held in custody on suspicion of murder. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"Police will remain at the scene and in the surrounding area for some time while the full circumstances of the incident are established.

"We thank local residents for their patience and co-operation. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Cleveland Police by dialling 101 and quoting reference number SE24120393."