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A man who died after being stabbed in Eldon Square shopping centre was the victim of what appears to have been an "unprovoked" attack with a screwdriver, police have said.

Northumbria Police confirmed that seven people have now been arrested in connection with the incident, which happened near Old Eldon Square, at around 6.20pm last night.

Chief Supt Ged Noble described the incident as "awful" as he revealed that detectives were currently questioning suspects aged between 14 and 17 on suspicion of murder, including someone they believe to be the "main suspect".

He said: "This is an awful, awful incident that has occurred in a busy city centre and led to terrible tragic consequences.

"We are at the very early stages of the investigation so I can't go into great detail at this stage, what I can say is it appears to have been a chance encounter between the victim and the offender which led to what appears to have been an unprovoked attack.

"At this stage we believe the weapon to have been a screwdriver."

Police were called to the scene, outside Greggs, at around 6.20pm on Wednesday.

The victim, from the Newcastle area, was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary where he was pronounced dead.

He was later named as "devoted father", Peter Duncan.

Police arrested seven young men overnight - a 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds and four 17-year-olds - in connection with the incident.

All are now being questioned on suspicion of murder.

Chief Supt Noble explained: "At 6.20pm last night we received a report of a male having been stabbed in the Eldon Square area.

"Police officers who were patrolling the city centre responded very quickly and together with paramedics administered emergency first aid on the victim.

"The 52-year-old was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary where very sadly he was pronounced dead.

"We have very quickly made seven arrests during the course of the night. The persons involved are known to us.

"Clearly this is a terrible incident which occurred in a busy city centre. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim.

"The investigation is being lead by our dedicated homicide detectives and the family are being supported by our family liaison officers."

And Chief Supt Noble has reassured the public that patrols would be stepped up in the city centre.

He added: "I'm acutely aware this will cause a great deal of concern both to the wider public and businesses.

"We have already increased patrols in the city centre and will continue to do to make sure people are safe and feel safe . We will also continue to do all we can to prevent this kind of incident.

"We have had some fantastic responses from the public.

“I appreciate the communities we serve will have concerns and I want to reassure the public and businesses that we are doing all we can to prevent incidents of this tragic nature and ensure people feel safe.

“We will be continuing extra patrols in the area and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak to an officer.

“We’re appealing for anyone who may have information, or who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch with us as any information could be crucial to the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference number 886 14/08/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.