First photo of Ashington murder victim

Posted by The Journal on Jun 27, 09 02:21 PM in News

Lee Matthewson, who was stabbed on Bolam Road, Ashington This is first picture of murder victim Lee Matthewson. The 21-year-old was stabbed to death during a disturbance on Bolam Road, in Ashington, on Monday.

Emergency services were called to the street during the early hours of the morning, following reports of an altercation.

Mr Matthewson was taken to Wansbeck District Hospital, but he was pronounced dead at around 5.45am.

Police initially arrested three men in connection with the attack. They have since been questioned and released on bail.

Murder detectives are still trying to piece together what happened in the moments leading to Lee's death.

And anyone who witnessed the attack is being urged to call police.

Det Chief Insp Paul Young, who is leading the investigation, said: "I would urge anyone who witnessed or heard a disturbance in the area of Bolam Drive on the night of Sunday, June 21, or the early hours of Monday, June 22, to please come forward."

A post mortem revealed Mr Matthewson, of Middleton Street, Amble, died of a single stab wound to the chest.

People living in the area were left shocked by the attack.

And loved ones of the victim, known locally as "Moochy", have visited the scene to leave floral tributes. One said: "To Moochy. You were a great lad."

His family have since described Lee as a loving son, brother and uncle with a cheeky smile.

Devastated mum Louise said: "I can't go on. I don't know how I am going to cope without my baby. He was loved to bits, we will all miss him but never ever forget him.

"He would help anybody, his personality was just amazing. He got on with anybody. He was so loving, he didn't like to see anybody hurt, he just loved life."

Lee had a sister, Tracy, 29, and three brothers, Peter, 31, Wayne, 26, who was away in Spain when the attack happened, and Darren, 24.

Dad Ian Matthewson said: "We have got to live with this for the rest of our lives."

Lee had been with friends in Ashington on the night he was stabbed and had spoken to his sister just 40 minutes before it happened.

Supt Allan Brown, of Northumberland area command, said: "The local neighbourhood policing officers are in the area providing reassurance to the public.

"I'd ask anyone with any concerns or who has any information about this incident to contact their local policing team."

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Bolam Drive, Ashington, between midnight and 1am, to call 03456 043 043, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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