Six more arrests in North Shields murder investigation

Mar 19 2010 By Sophie Doughty

SIX more people have been questioned in connection with the murder of Andrew Smart

The lads, three aged 15, and three aged 17, were arrested on yesterday.

They were all quizzed on suspicion of theft in connection to the murder investigation before being released on bail.

This brings the total number of people arrested in connection to the 47-year-old’s violent killing, in North Shields to 13.

Det Chief Insp, of Northumbria Police, who is leading the enquiry investigation said: “This continues to be a very active murder enquiry and
officers are still keen to talk to people who knew Andrew Smart, who have not yet come forward.”

Andrew’s  blood-covered body was found in his ground-floor flat, on Sibthorpe Street by neighbours who went to investigate after noticing his front door was open on Sunday February 28.

A post mortem revealed he died of multiple injuries following a sustained attack.

And  police believe he may have been targeted by local teens in the weeks before he died.

Three lads, 13, 14, and 15, were arrested in connection with the death, shortly after the grim discovery was made.

And then on Tuesday police made five more arrests.

Four teenage lads, two aged 18, one 19 and one 16, and a 20-year-old man, were questioned on suspicion of murder, before being released on bail.

A further arrest was made on Wednesday, when a 21-year-old man was also brought in for questioning, on suspicion of murder, he has also been bailed.

Anyone with any information about his death is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 0191 295 6946, or text 07786 200 814, or ring the independent