‘Devoted’ father and lawyer stabbed to death with screwdriver outside Greggs
Written by News on 16/08/2019
Seven teenagers have been arrested after a man was stabbed to death with a screwdriver outside a Greggs in Newcastle.
Northumbria Police said the 52-year-old was assaulted during an “unprovoked attack” inside the entrance to a shopping centre on Old Eldon Square, near the bakery, just after 6pm on Wednesday..
Lawyer Peter Duncan, who suffered “a single puncture wound to the chest”, later died of his injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
His family released a statement describing him as a “devoted father” who was “always first to help others”.
A 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds and four 17-year-olds, all boys, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Chief Superintendent Ged Noble said the scene had been busy with shoppers and people finishing work, but declined to say whether the victim had intervened to stop a fight between youths.
“This is a tragic and shocking incident where a man has sadly lost his life,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim and they are being supported by specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.
“Our investigation is ongoing but we have very quickly arrested seven teenagers in connection with the incident, one of which we believe to be the main suspect.
“It appears to have been a chance encounter between the victim and the offender which then led to what appears to have been an unprovoked attack.”
He praised the “fantastic response” from the public for the “immediate assistance that was given to the victim”.
The officer said the force had also received “numerous contacts from witnesses describing what they had seen”.
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference number 886 14/08/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
(c) Sky News 2019: ‘Devoted’ father and lawyer stabbed to death with screwdriver outside Greggs
