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Murder Investigation in Blyth

Northumbria Police

21 March 2008

Police have started a murder investigation after a man was found dead and a woman seriously injured in a flat in Newsham, Blyth, late last night. At 11.30pm yesterday police were called to a flat above the Dragon House Chinese takeaway in Elliot Street. They found a badly injured man and woman suffering from serious injuries. Both were taken to Wansbeck General Hospital, where the man - aged 44 - was declared dead at 12.07am. The woman - aged 45 - was operated on and is described as being in a critical condition. Three men have been arrested in relation to the incident and are in custody. DCI Roger Ford, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are now trying establish exactly what took place in the flat situated above the  Dragon House. It's near two licensed premises which were both busy around 11pm when we believe the attack took place, so I'm asking for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have vital information to contact us as soon as possible." A forensic examination of the scene is being carried out. A post mortem examination on the man who died will be conducted later today. Anyone with information about this attack is asked to ring Northumbria Police on 08456 043 043 and ask for the incident room at Bedlington police station.