Family tribute to son, 23, with 'heart of gold' as murder probe continues

The grieving family of a Teesside man who was allegedly murdered in a stabbing earlier this week have paid tribute to his life, saying their lives will "never be the same" without him.

23-year-old Lloyd Donkin had a "heart of gold", say his family in a moving tribute days after he was fatally injured in the incident on Wrensfield Road, Stockton on Thursday (June 27).

Adam Mackintosh, 28, of Coral Grove in Thornaby, was arrested following the incident and has since been charged with his murder and is set to appear at Teesside Crown Court on July 2.

Lloyd Donkin, 23. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Paying tribute to his life, Lloyd’s family said: “Lloyd’s life was stolen, our lives are shattered.

“The family can only keep the beauty of him, his heart of gold, cheeky humour and love, within our hearts now.

“He will never be forgotten, and our family will never be the same without him.”

As previously reported, a huge cordon was erected across Stainmore Close following the alleged incident.

Pictures showed the large-scale emergency response, with white-suited investigators captured taking photographs and using evidence markers at the scene.

A separate cordon was also set up on Coral Grove, which is roughly three miles away from Stainmore Close, and later confirmed to be linked by Cleveland Police.

Police in Stockton following the alleged murder. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Residents of the close-knit Stockton estate told The Northern Echo how it was a "massive shock" to witness 999 crews flood the street.

Detectives continue to appeal for any CCTV, dash cam and other footage, which can be uploaded directly here.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact Cleveland Police by dialling 101, quoting reference number SE24120393.