The victim of an alleged murder in Newcastle has been named as 68-year-old John Hardy. 

Police and paramedics were called to Sceptre Place, in the Elswick area of the city, on Monday (November 11) after reports of a disturbance at an address at around 6.30pm. 

A man was found to have sustained serious injuries consistent with being caused by a bladed article and, despite the efforts of paramedics, he died a short time later. 

Northumbria Police has now named the man as John Hardy, 68, of Sceptre Place. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Police at the scene of the incidentPolice at the scene of the incident (Image: NORTH NEWS)

A woman in her 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder following the alleged incident - and she has now been charged with murder. 

Brenda Heslop, 62, of Sceptre Place, Newcastle, will appear before  Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, November 13). 

Officers remain in the area to carry out enquiries in relation to the incident and also offer reassurance to the public.

Detective Inspector Mark Atherton, of the Force’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with John’s family at this extremely difficult time.

John HardyJohn Hardy (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

“We will offer them all of the support we can as they attempt to process the events of the past couple of days.

Detective Inspector Atherton added: “A suspect has now been charged to appear in court and I’d ask that everyone avoid speculation – both online and in the community – and respect the active legal proceedings.

“Thank you to all of those who have so far provided information towards our investigation.

“If you have details which could assist us, then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police by sending the Force a direct message on social media, using the live chat on the Force website or by going to www.northumbria.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ 


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Members of the public can also provide information through the online Public Portal.

For those unable to contact the Force via those ways, call 101.

Please quote log number NP-20241111-0911.