Murder investigation and manhunt underway as man, 34, dies in Grangetown street stab attack

A murder investigation and manhunt are underway following the death of a man, 34, in a street stab attack.

Violence broke out in Lealholm Walk, off Birchington Avenue, in the Whale Hill and Grangetown area, around 9pm, last night - Thursday, November 22. Cleveland Police received multiple reports of a stabbing outside of a residential property.

A 34-year-old man had been attacked, with eye witness reports claiming paramedics tended to him at the scene for a lengthy period. He was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, by ambulance, but sadly died a short time later.

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

READ MORE: Police appeal to trace man in connection with ongoing murder investigation

His family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, say police. An investigation is now underway, and the police cordon, which was erected on Thursday evening, is still in place.

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

Senior Investigating Officer Matt Hollingsworth, from Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), confirmed a manhunt is underway for the person responsible. He also moved to reassure concerned neighbours, as patrols are stepped up.

He 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.”

Birchington Avenue, which leads onto Lealholm Walk, was closed off from Wilton Way up to Ainthorpe Road. Images taken by photographer Terry Blackburn show blue and white police tape cordoning off the road with multiple police vehicles and officers, including detectives at the scene.

Scenes of crime officers then attended, kitted out in full white protective clothing with hair nets, masks and gloves. The forensic teams combed the area and took photographs of potential evidence.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said two ambulances, a clinical team leader, and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance attended. Read further updates on the murder inquiry here.

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.

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