Two more arrested over death of ‘lovely lad’, 30, found tied up and stabbed to death at County Durham house
Six people have so far been arrested after Mark Shaw was found dead in his home
SIX people have been arrested since a man was found dead and tied up in a house in Durham.
Mark Shaw’s body was discovered in an upstairs bedroom inside a property in Pine Street, Grange Villa.
A further two arrests were made today, bringing the total number up to six.
Detectives say he died from a stab wound but had also been subjected to a severe and prolonged assault, which detectives believe probably started late on the Friday night or early Saturday morning.
Officers made the discovery after being called to an incident at the address.
After forcing entry to the house, they found the body in one of the bedrooms.
Police say there was no-one else in the property at the time.
Police have now arrested a 22-year-old man from Stanley, County Durham, on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old woman from Grange Villa, County Durham, on suspicion of assisting an offender.
One of the six people arrested, a 25-year-old man, has been released with no further action.
Another man, aged 18, remains in custody on suspicion of murder.
The other two – a 19-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman – have been released on police bail until the end of February pending further enquiries.
Det Supt Adrian Green, of Durham Constabulary, said: “The search teams will be at work in the Grange Villa area throughout today and indeed for much of the week.
As you can expect Mark’s family are distraught by what has happened.
Det Supt Adrian Green
“We are carrying out extensive work to recover forensic and other evidence as part of this investigation.
“Unless there is a significant development, I do not expect to make further arrests in connection with this case.
“As you can expect Mark’s family are distraught by what has happened.
“We are keeping them up to date with every key stage of our investigation and we have two very experienced detectives working as family liaison officers.”
Neighbours have paid tribute to Mark describing him as “a lovely lad who wouldn’t hurt a fly”.
One neighbour who did not want to be named said: “I am completely shocked, I am gutted actually, he was lovely.
“This is a quiet area. It is not something that happens every day. I just feel sorry for the lad. He was harmless and didn’t bother anyone.”
A tribute posted on Mark’s Facebook page reads: “Horrible news to wake up to.
One of my brother’s oldest friends has had his life sadly taken from him. Poor lad wouldn’t say boo to a goose too. RIP”
Another neighbour told how Mark’s window had been smashed two days earlier.
He said: “I am not sure what has happened, and I’m not sure if it is related but I did notice that his front window had been put through yesterday.”
Police arrived at the County Durham village at around seven last night and locals have told how the street was soon cordoned off and armed police were patrolling the area.
Forensics are at the house where the body was found, which has the front window boarded up.
A passerby said: “I noticed police between six and seven and the helicopter was over head all night.”
A police spokesman said: “Local officers made the discovery after making a routine visit to the house, in Pine Street, Grange Villa, following reports of an incident at the property.
“He was tied up and appeared to have been the victim of a serious assault.
“No-one else was present in the house at the time.”
I would like to reassure them that we believe this incident was not random and that those involved were known to each other.
Det Supt Adrian Green
The investigating officer, Det Supt Adrian Green added: “I know many people in Grange Villa will be shocked by what has happened and I understand their concerns. I would like to reassure them that we believe this incident was not random and that those involved were known to each other.
“I have a team of detectives carrying out enquiries in the area and I would urge anyone who has information which would help us trace those responsible to come forward.
“Grange Villa is a tightly-knit place and many people will already know a great deal and will be discussing it among themselves.
“We will also have extra patrols in the village over the next few days to provide additional reassurance to local residents.”
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