Police search buildings as murder inquiry continues
A number of locations across Sunderland have been searched by police as five people remain in custody after detectives launched a murder investigation.
The body of Andrew John Mather was found at his home in Aintree Road, Farringdon, around noon on Wednesday.
An investigation was launched and detectives were initially treating the 48-year-old’s death as ‘unexplained’ however four people, two men aged 32 and 45 and two women aged 38 and 18, have now been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All five remained in police custody yesterday morning.
Pictures show police at the scene of two buildings in Sunderland as officers continue to investigate the circumstances around Mr Mather’s death.
On Thursday, a PCSO was pictured outside an address in Purley Road, in the Plains Farm area of Sunderland, and witnesses say a forensic team was seen entering the property.
A police cordon also remained in place yesterday morning outside a garage in York Road, New Silksworth.
Northumbria Police were initially alerted by the ambulance service to concern for a man at an address on Aintree Road at around midday on Wednesday.
Emergency services attended and found the body of Mr Mather inside.
His family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.
Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said yesterday: “This is a tragic time for them and we will continue to support them in any way we can.
“They have asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
“Over the last 24 hours, we have been carrying out a range of inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding Andrew’s death.
“We have spoken to a number of individuals in connection with the incident and five people remain in custody.
“An increased police presence remains at the scene as officers carry out inquiries and offer any reassurance to the public.”