What we know so far on Grangetown murder probe after stabbing victim, 34, dies in hospital

A man has tragically died after a stabbing in Grangetown - sparking a murder investigation and a manhunt for the person responsible.

The 34-year-old was attacked outside of a residential property in Lealholm Walk, off Birchington Avenue in Whale Hill, around 9pm on Thursday. Police and paramedics were called to the scene where the man was treated before he was transported to hospital where he died.

Grangetown residents are understandably shocked and concerned at the events that unfolded, however, Cleveland Police say it has stepped up patrols as the murder probe takes place and a manhunt for the person responsible remains underway. Here's the key questions and answers we have so far on the matter.

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What happened?

Around 9pm on Thursday, police call-takers started to receive reports of a stabbing in Lealholm Walk, a strip of houses off Birchington Avenue.

999 crews including police, ambulance and the Great North East Ambulance Service attended the scene in the Grangetown and Whale Hill area and treated a man. Eye witnessed reported paramedics erecting sheeting as they treated the injured man.

Was there a cordon?

Yes. Police officers erected blue and white police tape in Birchington Avenue, sealing off the road to traffic and pedestrians. The cordon went from Wilton Way up to Ainthorpe Road, with uniformed police officers guarding both ends.

This allowed forensic officers, kitted out in white protective suits, hair nets, masks, gloves and shoe coverings, to comb the area and photograph potential evidence. At one point, a scenes of crime officer was seen standing in a resident's garden right next to the site. The cordon was still there on Friday.

Was the victim taken to hospital?

Yes - the stabbing victim, a man aged 34, was taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Despite paramedics' attempts to save him, he sadly died as a result of his injuries in hospital.

Do we know who the victim is?

Not yet no. Police have only revealed his age so far and say his family have been informed. They are being supported by specialist officers.

What does the scene look like?

The street is mostly made up of semi-detached homes. The focus of the forensic experts' investigations is on the pavement outside of a resident's home.

Pictures from the scene, show a number of items on the ground, including smashed glass, sheeting left behind by paramedics, blankets, and what appears to be blood. These have been marked with small triangular shaped markers, left by scenes of crime officers.

What has ambulance service said?

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident at a private address yesterday (November 21) at 9.57pm.

"We dispatched a clinical team leader, two ambulance crews, and were supported by a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). One patient was taken to hospital by road."

What have police said?

Police released this on Friday morning: "At 9pm on Thursday 21 November police received reports of a stabbing outside of a property on Lealholm Walk.

"A 34-year-old man was taken to James Cook University Hospital by ambulance and sadly died a short time later. His family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. An investigation is now underway, and a police cordon is in place.

"Detectives are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam or door-bell footage that could assist with their enquiries.

Has the person responsible been caught?

At this stage, no. However, a top cop says there is a manhunt underway, and has pledged that detectives from the Homicide and Major Inquiry Team, are working around the clock to find the person responsible.

Officers have arrested a woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. She is currently in police custody for questioning.

Senior Investigating Officer Matt Hollingsworth said: “While we have extensive enquiries ongoing I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of the stabbing and have either witnessed what took place or has information.

“I would also encourage anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage to get in touch.

"I understand there will be concern in the local community and I want to take this opportunity to reassure residents that we will be working around the clock to identify and detain the person responsible.

"There will be an increased police presence with patrols in the area for your reassurance and I would encourage anyone who has concerns to speak to an officer.”

What should you do if you can help the police investigation?

If you have information, please call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 222453 or visit the website. If reticent to come forward, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.

Where can I find more details on this incident?

You can scroll through our live blog on this matter here. We will keep it updated with information and pictures as we get them.

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