Victim was stabbed with screwdriver in shopping centre and died in hospital

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Peter Duncan, the lawyer who was stabbed with a screwdriver in a Newcastle shopping centre, Northumbria police have said.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon and theft, and will appear before North Tyneside magistrates court on Monday.

Eight teenagers aged between 14 and 17 were arrested after the attack on Duncan, 52, which took place at the Eldon Square complex at 6.20pm on Wednesday. Two of them remain under investigation, in addition to the teenager that has been charged.

Duncan was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary after emergency services were called to the scene, but he succumbed to his injuries.

The force said officers had recovered the screwdriver believed to have been used to stab Duncan in the chest.

Ch Supt Ged Noble, Northumbria police area commander, said: “This continues to be an extremely difficult time for the family and loved ones of Peter and we ask that their privacy is respected.

“We know that these types of incidents can have a big impact on the local community.

“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.

“I also want to thank those who have come forward with information and for the public’s patience during our investigation.”

Duncan’s family paid tribute to him on Thursday: “Peter was a kind and caring man who was always first to help others. He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and loved by all who knew him.

“His death will leave such a huge hole in our lives and he’ll be deeply missed by us all. Words can’t quite describe what life will be like without him. He had so much of his life left to live and he’ll be in our hearts and thoughts every day.”