New plea over murder case – one year on

The detective leading a murder investigation has made a new plea for information from the public after the unsolved case reached its first anniversary.

The body of Barry Solomon, 42, was discovered at his home with “significant injuries” in Kemble Square, Downhill, Sunderland, on the evening of April 22 last year.

A woman and three male youths were soon arrested and bailed while inquiries into the killing continued.

The juveniles were later released without charge while the 39-year-old woman is still under investigation a year later.

The senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fairlamb, of Northumbria Police, said the force is committed to solving the case.

He added: “This incident took place one year ago, but the investigation into Barry’s death is not closed.

“We remain committed to establishing the circumstances of Barry’s death.

“We will continue to act on any new lines of inquiry or information, and if anybody knows anything, then I would urge them to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.”

Officers have released few details about Mr Solomon or his death.

Emergency services were called out to the property at about 10.50pm on Saturday, April 22, last year after the alarm was raised.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mr Solomon was declared dead at the scene.

A cordon was set up as police began their inquiries into what they called an “isolated incident”.

After declaring his death to be murder, extra patrols were despatched to offer assurance to residents.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said the house’s occupants had moved in to the property about six months earlier.

Another, who also did not want to be identified, added: “It’s not the nicest area, but there isn’t usually much trouble either, so the police aren’t around often.”

Anyone with any information about Mr Solomon’s death is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1261 22/04/17.

“We remain committed to establishing the circumstances of Barry’s death” DCI ANDY FAIRLAMB

Police officers at the property in Kemble Square, Downhill, Sunderland, last April. Inset, a tribute left outside the house.