Floral tributes to victim Brandon Lee left at the scene as South Shields murder inquiry continues

Police were called to a flat block on Victoria Road in South Shields in the early hours of Tuesday, May 12 following reports of concern for a man.

On arrival, emergency services found the victim to be unresponsive. He had suffered injuries consistent with a bladed article.

He was pronounced dead by paramedics and a murder investigation was launched.

Twenty-four-year-old Brandon, from Wansbeck Road, Jarrow, was named by police on Wednesday, May 13 as the victim.

Floral tributes and balloons have been left at the scene.

“You touched so many hearts with your big presence and personality” one tribute read.

Another reads: “Not a day will pass and I’ll not think of the good times.”

A number of messages were also left in his memory on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Sidney Stromburg: “My condolences to his family.”

Linzi Ord: “Such tragic news, another life taken too soon, rest easy Brandon,”

Carole Brennan: “So sad. RIP Brandon.”

Deborah Patterson: “RIP sweetheart.”

Sharon Yorston: “Absolutely awful, that poor lad.”

Joanne McCall: “RIP Brandon Lee.”

Lauren Metcalfe: “Poor lad. RIP.”

Steven Tomlinson: “RIP kidda you’ll be missed.”

Agnes George: “Tragic! Condolences to all involved.”

Northumbria Police arrested a 23-year-old man on Tuesday on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody on Thursday, May 14.

On Thursday Police arrested a second person, a 25-year-old man, in connection with the murder investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson, the senior investigating officer on the case, added on Thursday: “We would reiterate that we believe those involved are known to each other and there is no wider risk to the public.

“However, we will continue with a high visible policing presence on Victoria Road to reassure the public if they have any concerns about the activity.

“If anyone saw anything unusual in the area in the early hours of Tuesday morning, or may have information that assists police, then please get in touch.”

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