Three teenagers charged with Eldon Lane murder as family pay tribute to dad-of-two Craig Yorke

Craig Yorke, 28, died in High Street in Eldon Lane in the early hours of Saturday (14 December). Credit: Durham Constabulary

Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of a dad-of-two as a family spoke of their loss as leaving a "huge hole in our hearts forever".

Craig Yorke died in High Street, in Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, at around 3.30am on Saturday (14 December).

A post-mortem examination revealed the 28-year-old died from stab wounds.

Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing and a scene remains in place.

Paying tribute, Mr Yorke's family said: “Craig was a much-loved dad to his two girls Sadie and Verity.

“He was a fun-loving character, the life and soul of the party and he always put others before himself.

“The whole family is devastated at the loss of Craig and his death will leave a huge hole in our hearts forever.”

Police set up a cordon at the scene following the incident in High Street, Eldon Lane. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Three teenagers, aged 18, 17 and 16, were arrested on the day of the incident and have since been charged with his murder.

They appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates court on Tuesday (17 December) and did not enter any pleas.

They were remanded into custody and will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday (19 December).

Another man arrested in connection with the incident has been released with no further action, and a woman who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed with conditions.

Anyone who has any information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 53 of 14 December.

Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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