Six held on suspicion of murdering man with learning disabilities

By The Press Association8th June 2015News EnglandLearning Disabilities, News England, Northumbria, Vulnerable Adults

The mother of a disabled man has said he was killed by bullies and had “the mind of an eight-year-old”.

Lee Irving, 24, of Camperdown, East Denton, was described by Northumbria Police as vulnerable and having learning difficulties. He was found dead on a grassed area in Fawdon, Newcastle, on Saturday morning.

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in custody, police said.

Five people – four men and one woman – were arrested on Sunday, while another woman was arrested yesterday evening.

Mr Irving’s mother, Bev, wrote on Facebook: “My son been killed the day off a bunch of f** bully he had the mind of a eight year old xc”.

After his body was discovered, paramedics were called to the grassed area but he was declared dead at the scene.

A statement from Mr Irving’s family described him as “a wonderful young man” who was “loved by many”.

They recalled that he loved ice-skating, going to the pictures and enjoying life.

The statement added: “He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him. What we have lost is irreplaceable and we must live with our loss every day. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us at this devastating time. Lee will always remain in our hearts and thoughts.”

Superintendent Bruce Storey, of Northumbria Police, said earlier: “It’s thought those involved in this incident know each other. Lee had learning difficulties and was vulnerable, one of our key lines of inquiry is to establish whether this is a factor in his death and a motivation in this crime.

“It’s important those suspected of being responsible face the consequences of their actions and I would urge anyone who was in Fawdon on Saturday morning, between 7am and 9am, to come forward and speak to us.

“If they saw anything at all that seemed out of the ordinary, no matter how insignificant they think it is, we would ask them to get in contact. Six people have been arrested, they remain in custody and are helping with our inquiries.

“Extra officers will continue to carry out patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the local community, who understandably are shocked and appalled by this tragic death.”