Divers return to lake in murder probe

A diving team has returned to Silksworth Lake as a search continues as part of the ongoing Aintree Road murder investigation.

A search of Silksworth Lake, at Silksworth Sport Complex, off North Moor Lane, is being carried out in relation to the murder of the 48-year-old Andrew Mather, of Sunderland.

Mr Mather’s body was sadly found at his home in Aintree Road, Farringdon, at around 12pm on Wednesday, June 3.

The marine unit was first seen searching the lake on Tuesday, June 9, but the team has now returned to the lake yesterday.

A number of police units have returned to the lakeside and a diver can be seen carrying out a search of part of the lake.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Our Marine Unit are in the area carrying out searches in relation to the Sunderland murder investigation.”

Several properties and locations across the city have been searched as part of ongoing inquiries into Mr Mather’s murder. Yesterday, a PCSO was pictured outside an address in Purley Road, in Plains Farm, and witnesses say a forensic team was seen entering the property.

And a police cordon was in place outside a garage in York Street last week as the murder investigation continued.

Anyone with information is still asked to contact 101 quoting reference 389 03/06/20.

Alternatively, use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force’s website or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.