Hartlepool murder inquiry: Man charged with killing Michael Phillips
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The body of 39-year-old Mr Phillips was discovered after emergency services rushed to a house in Rydal Street, off the town’s Elwick Road, at around 9pm on Monday.
Police confirmed on Tuesday that they were treating his death as murder and nine people have since been arrested in connection with their investigation.
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Hide AdCleveland Police announced on Thursday night that one has been charged with murder, burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and committing actual bodily harm.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, in Middlesbrough, on Friday morning.
Five others, who are aged between 30 and 54 and were arrested on suspicion of murder earlier this week, have now been released under investigation.
Two other men were released with no further action
The ninth man, aged 26, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.
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Hide AdCleveland Police said Mr Phillips suffered “significant injuries” at the property and later died.
A spokesperson for the force added in a statement: “Specially-trained officers are supporting Michael’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time.”
Residents have spoken of police arriving in the street after the alarm was raised at around 9pm on Monday.