Fourteen-year-old arrested on suspicion of murdering man in street

Teenager not thought to have known 47-year-old victim, force spokesperson says

Police cordon off a road in Consett after the death of a 47-year-old man (Chronicle Live)

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a man in County Durham, police have said.

Durham Police said a 47-year-old man died after he received a serious injury during an altercation in a residential street on Thursday afternoon.

The teenager is not believed to have known the victim, a police spokesperson said.

Detective Superintendent Dave Ashton said: “I would like to reassure the local community that we are not looking for anybody else in connection with this incident.”

He said: “This is a tragic incident for all involved, and I would like to offer my condolences to the victim’s family."

Durham Police said officers were called to an altercation in Consett at around 5.30pm on 5 December.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene, despite paramedics' and doctors' efforts.

A police spokesperson said the man, who has not yet been formally identified, is thought to have suffered a serious head injury.

Mr Ashton said on Friday: “Throughout the day we will be carrying out house-to-house enquiries and will also be reviewing CCTV footage of the surrounding area.

“Anyone who has any information that could help our investigation and has not already spoken to police should call us on 101.

“Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”