Third teenager charged with murder after stabbing

A third teenager has been charged with murder following the death of a 40-year-old man.

Gary Belfield, from Manchester, died after an alleged stabbing in Felling, Gateshead on 27 April.

A 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were both charged with murder on 3 May.

Another 17-year-old boy was previously charged with attempted murder but has now had the charge upgraded to murder, Northumbria Police said.

The suspect is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on 28 May.

The force's major incident team have made eight arrests as part of the investigation.

Two men and three women, aged between 21 and 51, remain on police bail.

Mr Belfield died after an alleged attack at a property on Elliott Drive.

A second man, aged in his 20s, was also found seriously injured. He has since been discharged from hospital.

Det Chf Insp Louise Jenkins said: "Gary’s family and loved ones have shown incredible strength in the face of his tragic passing, and we hope to give them the answers they deserve.

"Our officers continue to support them in any way they can at this incredibly difficult time, and we would like to again remind the public to avoid speculation in the community and online which could jeopardise the ongoing proceedings."

Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].