Gateshead murder investigation: Man found dead Christopher Phillips was originally from Berwick

Northumbria Police has revealed that a man who died following an assault in Gateshead was originally from the Berwick area.

The force has confirmed his identity this afternoon (Wednesday). Christopher Phillips’ next of kin are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.

A murder investigation into Christopher’s death is underway and a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody at this time.

At 9am on Monday (August 14), police officers were alerted by the North East Ambulance Service that a man had sustained serious head injuries at Tennyson Court, just off Sunderland Road, in the Felling area of Gateshead.

Emergency services attended and found the 40-year-old. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Officers investigating Christopher’s death have now set up a Major Incident Public Portal, with a dedicated website link for anyone wanting to provide information which may assist their inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Angela Hudson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We continue to support Christopher’s family, who are understandably devastated at this time.

“I would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with Christopher’s passing.

“We are determined to get the answers that they deserve and our inquiries remain on-going.

“Officers remain at the scene to carry out inquiries and I would like to thank the local community for their co-operation, as well as all those who have so far assisted our investigation.”

Members of the public can provide information by going to the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk and selecting the Northumbria Police tile, or by calling 101 and quoting log number NP-20230814-0235.