Two males charged with homicide over suspected ammonia assault
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wo males have been charged with the homicide of a person who died after being sprayed with a substance.
Andy Foster, 26, was injured within the night of Sunday August 20 and later died in hospital after a suspected ammonia assault when he opened the door at an deal with on Eighton Terrace in Wrekenton.
Northumbria Police mentioned two males, each 32, had been arrested on suspicion of homicide.
Kenneth Fawcett, of North Shields, and John Wandless, of no mounted abode, had been later charged with Mr Foster’s homicide and each males are because of seem earlier than magistrates at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.
Police mentioned two ladies and a person, who had been arrested on suspicion of helping an offender, and one other man who was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to trigger grievous bodily hurt, have been launched below investigation, pending additional enquiries.
According to police, Fawcett and Wandless knocked on Mr Foster’s entrance door after which sprayed him with a substance earlier than fleeing from the scene.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Tomasz Fowler mentioned: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Andy’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time and we will continue to offer them all the support that they need.
“We would like to thank members of the public for their continued support and cooperation throughout the past week.
“Whilst these charges are a big step forward, it’s important to remember this investigation is far from over and we are still keen to hear from anyone with information which could help us in our enquiries.
“Please get in touch if you know anything which could assist our investigation – your information may prove vital.
“I would also ask that the public please refrain from any speculation or commentary, either in the community or online, that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.”
Mr Foster was remembered as “such a kind and funny boy who was so loved by his family and many friends” by his family members in an announcement launched via the police on Friday.
The tribute added: “He was our only son, as well as a loving and supportive partner, grandson and cousin, and was particularly close with his grandad who was very special to him.
“We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken beyond words that we have sadly lost our boy.
“Andy still had his whole life left ahead of him – and we are struggling to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer here with us.
“As a family, we would like to thank everyone in the community for their continued support and kind words over the past week.
“We now respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy we need to grieve, as we attempt to process what has happened.”
Anyone with data is urged to get in touch with Northumbria Police quoting reference quantity NP-20230820-1369.
They can even share data anonymously by calling the impartial charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their web site.