Five arrested in Newcastle murder investigation

The family of Lee Irving from Camperdown in East Denton, Newcastle have released a statement.

Lee, who had learning difficulties, was found dead in Fawdon on Saturday, June 6.

Five people who were arrested on Sunday remain in custody in connection with the investigation.

Police have also arrested a sixth person and she is continuing to help with enquiries.

Northumbria Police has released a statement on behalf of Lee's family.

"Lee was a wonderful young man. Loved by many, he used to love ice-skating, going to the pictures and enjoying life. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him. What we have lost is irreplaceable and we must live with our loss every day. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us at this devastating time. Lee will always remain in our hearts and thoughts."

Here is a statement from the police officer leading the investigation into the death of Lee Irving, the man with learning difficulties who was found dead in the Fawdon area of Newcastle on Saturday morning. Four men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

Northumbria Police have revealed that a man who's body was found on grassland on Saturday morning had learning difficulties and was vulnerable.

He has been named as Lee Irving, 24, from Camperdown in East Denton

At 8.34am on Saturday emergency services were called to a grassed area near a pathway between Dorrington Road and Hazeldene Avenue in Fawdon, following reports of concern for a man.

Mr Irving was declared dead at the scene.

Police say the fact that Lee had learning difficulties and was vulnerable are now key lines of enquiry, to establish whether this was a factor in his death.

Five people - four men and a woman - have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in police custody.

Police say five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder, following the death of a man in the Fawdon area of Newcastle.

Emergency services were called to a grassed area near a pathway between Dorrington Road and Hazeldene Avenue at 8.34am on Saturday.

They found the body of a man aged 24.

A post mortem examination has been carried out and the police are now treating this as a murder investigation.

Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in police custody.

Enquiries are continuing and officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.