Was Newcastle death a disability hate crime?

It's thought those involved in this incident know each other. Lee had learning difficulties and was vulnerable, one of our key lines of enquiry is to establish whether this is a factor in his death and a motivation in this crime. It's important those suspected of being responsible face the consequences of their actions and I would urge anyone who was in Fawdon on Saturday morning, between 7am and 9am, to come forward and speak to us. If they saw anything at all that seemed out of the ordinary, no matter how insignificant they think it is we would ask them to get in contact. Five people have been arrested, they remain in custody and are helping with our enquiries. Extra officers will continue to carry out patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the local community, who understandably are shocked and appalled by this tragic death."