Three men arrested on suspicion of Blackhall Colliery murder released under investigation

Three men arrest on suspicion of murder after body found in Blackhall Colliery house have been released under investigation.
Police at the scenePolice at the scene
Police at the scene

Detectives investigating the murder John Littlewood have reassured witnesses that any information given will be treated in the strictest of confidence as they urge people to come forward.

The body of 36-year-old was found in a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on Tuesday, July 30.

Mr Littlewood died as a result of head injuries.

John LittlewoodJohn Littlewood
John Littlewood
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The family of John have paid tribute to him, saying: “John D was a son, brother and father who liked to help anyone if he could. He had a heart of gold.”

Around 50 detectives, crime scene investigators, uniformed officers and other staff are currently working on the investigation.

A cordon remains in place around the scene and officers have been carrying out house to house enquiries in the surrounding area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Search teams are being deployed to the area over the next few days, and people are being urged to speak to officers if they have any information which could help the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Weir, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life and a family has been left without a son, a brother and a father.

“My team of detectives and staff are working around the clock to establish exactly what has happened, but we need the community to come forward with information which could help us build a picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“If anyone has information which could help, but is reluctant to come forward and speak to police, I would ask them: “What if this was your son, your brother or your father?”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would like to reassure people that any information given will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Information can also be passed on completely anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

Call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 394 of July 30 with any information, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.