Peter Duncan murder: teenager charged after devoted father stabbed with screwdriver in Newcastle

A 17-year-old had been charged with the murder of a devoted father and lawyer who was stabbed with a screwdriver in Newcastle on Wednesday.

The teenager, who cannot be identified, was arrested after Peter Duncan, 52, was attacked  close to a Greggs outlet in Eldon Square mall.

Police said Mr Duncan was stabbed in the chest with the tool in a "chance encounter" at 6.20pm.

A murder investigation was launched after he died at the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary later that day.

Northumbria Police arrested a 14 year-old, two 15-year-olds and four 17-year-olds in connection with the incident.

On Saturday the force said one of the 17-year-olds was charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon and theft.

He will appear before North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Officers have recovered the screwdriver believed to have been used to stab Mr Duncan once in the chest.

Two of the other teenagers arrested remain under investigation, in addition to the suspect who has been charged. Mr Duncan's family paid tribute following his death, saying he will be in their "hearts and thoughts every day".

They said in a statement: "Peter was a kind and caring man who was always first to help others.

"He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and loved by all who knew him.

His death will leave such a huge hole in our lives and he'll be deeply missed by us all.

"Words can't quite describe what life will be like without him. "He had so much of his life left to live and he'll be in our hearts and thoughts every day."

Mr Duncan was an in-house lawyer for a multi-national maritime firm.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he was an electrical engineer before training as a solicitor at Northumbria University in 2003.

He worked in Newcastle for Royal IHC Limited, which has a city centre office close to where he was attacked.

Chief Superintendent Ged Noble, Northumbria Police Area Commander, said: "This continues to be an extremely difficult time for the family and loved ones of Peter and we ask that their privacy is respected.

"We know that these types of incidents can have a big impact on the local community.

"I want to reassure the public and businesses that we are doing all we can to prevent incidents of this tragic nature and ensure people feel safe.

"I also want to thank those who have come forward with information and for the public's patience during our investigation."