A third man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 26-year-old Lewis Bell, police have confirmed. 

The man, 23, was arrested on Westerton Green in Hardwick, Stockton, following the death of Mr Bell on Hills Drive in Stockton on September 19.

He has since been charged with murder and will appear at Teesside Magistrates Court tomorrow (September 28).

26-year-old Lewis Bell.26-year-old Lewis Bell. (Image: Cleveland Police) This means a total of three men have been charged including Liam Matthews, 25, of Quenby Road, Billingham, and a 17-year old boy, who cannot be named due to his age. 

A full statement by Cleveland Police reads: "Cleveland Police have charged a third man with murder in connection with the death of 26-year-old Lewis Bell, following a reported incident in the early hours of Thursday 19th September on Hills Drive in Stockton.

Floral tributes at the scene.Floral tributes at the scene. (Image: Terry Blackburn) "Detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) charged a 23-year-old man with murder, and he is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court tomorrow (Saturday 28th September)."

Following the death of Mr Bell, his family paid tribute to the much loved dad.

Lewis’ dad, Martin Bell, said: “He was loved massively and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“He was a loving and doting Dad, son, brother, cousin and friend to many. As a family we are devastated.”