Shock over North Shields killing

Jan 31 2010 by Rob Kennedy, Sunday Sun

NEIGHBOURS of a suspected murder victim last night told of their shock at the killing.

The body of Kenneth Oakes, 52, was found at a house in North Shields, North Tyneside, in the early hours of last Thursday, prompting the launch of a murder probe.

A 20-year-old man was still in custody last night accused of killing a man in his 50s in what police described only as “an assault”.

Police say a post mortem on the victim confirmed his death was suspicious and an incident room has been set up.

Detectives last night formally identified the man from Rudyerd Street, North Shields, and are trying to piece together his movements in his final hours.

DCI Mark Anastasi, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are trying to build up a complete picture of the dead man’s movements before his death.

“He may have gone for a takeaway during Wednesday evening so we would urge people to cast their minds back and ask if they saw a man in his 50s in the area on Wednesday night or the early hours of Thursday morning.”

Police were called to Stanley Street, in North Shields town centre, around 1.40am on Thursday after a call expressing concern for the welfare of a man in a house. When they got there they found the body.

Neighbours living on Stanley Street, near the murder scene, say they are shocked and scared that a murder has taken place on their doorstep.

A 23-year-old man said: “There’s been police here on and off since Thursday night.

“It sounds like it’s kicked off in the house and someone said a young kid had killed an older bloke.

“I don’t know them but it’s shocking when it happens near where you live.”