First picture of 25-year-old man stabbed to death in County Durham as police arrest man, 25, over murder

THIS is the first picture of the 25-year-old man who was stabbed to death in Durham last night.

Paramedics rushed to Gregson Street to help Ryan Thompson but he was pronounced dead at the scene at around 11pm.

A murder investigation has been launched and cops have arrested a 25-year-old male in connection with the killing, Durham Constabulary confirmed today.

Police also arrested a 25-year-old local woman on suspicion of "assisting an offender", the Northern Echo reported.

Lewis Smith, 23, from Sacriston, said he has known Ryan for 15 years.

He said: "Everyone knew him, when he was younger he was a cheeky chappy, but he had a heart of gold, he never had any bother with anybody."

He continued: “He was brilliant, if you needed anything he would do it for you. He would do anything for anyone. He gave a lot, especially to this village.

"For this to happen to him is unspeakable, it is bizarre to have happened to him.”

Charlie Davison, 48, has lived on the street in Sacriston for 22 years.

The factory worker said: "We got up this morning and we heard somebody had been stabbed and died.

"It is a really close community around here and this is horrendous."

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "This is a really quiet area and it is lovely around here.

"Nothing has ever happened like this before it is so tragic. It is a shock to the community.

“I feel sorry for the family, they are a really lovely family. He was nice and always pleasant, I would think everybody would have known him.

"He will be sorely missed by everybody. I can't even begin to imagine what his family are going through.

“The police have been here all day and night. I never heard any fighting or anything going on."

Another local resident - who did not want to be named - said: "Ryan was lovely, he was genuinely nice.

"25-years-old is too young. He was a party animal and he was lovely, everybody knew him."

Paramedics rushed to Gregson Street to help the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene at around 11pm.

A witness told the paper they heard commotion in the street before a wave of blue lights and sirens descended on the area.

One person said: "It's dreadful. I came out to have a cigarette last night and heard everyone out in the street."

Detective Inspector Lee Gosling insisted the attack was an "isolated incident" and they do not believe there is a threat to the community.

He added: "There will be increased police patrols in the Gregson Street area, and a cordon will remain in place while our enquiries continue."

Dad-of-one Michael Lawson was fatally knifed in Darlington, just 20 miles from Sacriston, in July last year.

Career criminal David Saunders, 33, was sentenced to 22 years for stabbing him in the heart as he walked home from girlfriend Sarah Bramley's home.

Jealous Saunders attacked the man after Bramley, his ex-girlfriend, sent him a photo of herself performing a sex act on another man.