Hartlepool murder inquiry: What we now know about Rydal Street death

Police at the scene of the murder inquiry in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, following the death of a 39-year-old man.

Cleveland Police were initially called to a report of a disturbance at Rydal Street, off Elwick Road, in Hartlepool, on Monday at 9pm.

Officers and the ambulance service attended the scene to discover a man, 39, had died.

His identity has still to be revealed.

Police said on Tuesday afternoon that they were treating the death as suspicious and that a number of lines of inquiry were being carried out to establish the incident’s circumstances.

Two men aged 30 and 40 were soon arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the investigation and remain in custody.

The force said on Wednesday morning that another four men had been arrested in connection with the death and that a seventh man was also helping police inquiries.

An eighth arrest was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.

A force spokesperson said: “A further man aged 44, has now been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the Rydal Street incident.

“It total, seven men aged between 30 and 54 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and a man, 26, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

“All of the men remain in custody whilst inquiries continue.”

Residents have spoken of their shock on learning about the suspected murder.

Postman Phil Ansell, who lives in Rydal Street, said on Tuesday: “I saw police in the street at 7am when I left for work.”

A woman, who asked not to be named, added: “It is shocking, actually.”

The force spokesman said: “Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area of the incident between 7pm and 9pm who has any information to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting event number 097292.”