Heartbroken family pays tribute to ‘caring and friendly’ dad Gary
TRIBUTES have been paid to a “caring, friendly” dad who died after being fatally injured in Gateshead on Saturday.
Gary Belfield, who was from Manchester, passed away on April 27 following an alleged attack at a property on Elliott Drive in Felling.
The 40-year-old suffered serious injuries consistent with having been caused by a blade and died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency responders.
Today, Gary’s family said he was “loved” as they paid tribute to their son and dad and released a picture in his memory.
In a heartfelt tribute, they added: “He was a caring, friendly person who was popular in his hometown. He never looked for or got into trouble.
“As a family we are shocked and devastated at what has happened. We are trying to process the events of the last four days and grieve our loss.”
Gary’s family continue to be supported by specially-trained officers at this time. A second man, aged in his 20s, was also found seriously injured in the property. He has since been discharged from hospital.
The force’s Major Incident Team
(MIT) have made eight arrests as part of their ongoing investigation, with a further male, 17, arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody along with a girl, 15, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
A boy, 17, has been charged with attempted murder relating to the injured man and has been remanded in custody following an appearance at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today. Two men and three women, aged between 21 and 51, have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information can contact police via the ‘Report’ page of Northumbria Police’s website or by calling 101, quoting reference NP-20240427-1086.