Five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in Stockton.
Officers were called to Hills Drive on Thursday (September 19) after a 26-year-old man died following a stabbing incident overnight.
A cordon was erected across the street, with pictures showing white-suited investigators probing the front of a property while evidence markers lay on the ground.
A blue and white tent was also set up outside of a home, with police also guarding several other scenes on nearby roads.
Cleveland Police has now confirmed that five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and all remain in police custody at this time.
The man’s family is being supported by specially trained officers. However, formal identification is still yet to take place.
Shocked residents told The Northern Echo how they woke to flashing lights and sirens in the middle of the night following the incident, with one person saying they feared "this is the norm".
One 47-year-old, who has lived in the area for three years, said: “I didn’t hear anything last night. I just saw it all on Facebook this morning at around 7am when I got up.
“I saw the police there when I was taking my little girl to school. It was a shock - I have been wondering about what has really happened."
Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and and footage as the investigation continues.
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses and footage as a murder investigation continues in Stockton.
"Five people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation which launched around 12am this morning, Thursday 19th September, when a 26-year-old man died on Hills Drive following a stabbing incident.
"The man’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time, although formal identification is yet to take place.
"Five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder. All remain in police custody at this time.
"Enquiries are continuing and detectives are continuing to appeal for any witnesses or anyone with footage that could assist their investigation to get in touch.
Recommended reading:
- Residents in shock after man stabbed to death in Stockton
- First pictures from scene after man stabbed to death in Stockton
- Stockton murder: Investigation launched after man stabbed
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"Any witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 180509.
"Anyone with footage can upload it here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/cleveland/appeal/five-arrests-as-murder-investigation-continues
"Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111."
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