Newcastle stabbing: 'Devoted father' Peter Duncan killed with screwdriver at shopping centre

Seven teenagers arrested after 'chance encounter' outside Greggs

Peter Duncan, 52, was stabbed to death in Newcastle on 14 August (Northumbria Police)

A “devoted father” has been stabbed to death with a screwdriver in an unprovoked attack outside a shopping centre.

Seven teenagers have been arrested over the attack on 52-year-old Peter Duncan in Newcastle.

Northumbria Police said there had been a “chance encounter” outside a branch of Greggs in the Intu Eldon Square shopping centre at around 6.20pm on Wednesday.

Mr Duncan was stabbed once in the chest and died after being taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

The victim was a lawyer for multi-national maritime firm Royal IHC Limited, which has offices a short walk away from the scene of the stabbing.

According to Mr Duncan’s LinkedIn profile, he was an electrical engineer before training as a solicitor at Northumbria University in 2003.

His family described him as 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,” a statement added.

“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.”

Police said the investigation was is at an early stage but it “appears there had been a coming together at the entrance to the shopping centre”, and Mr Duncan was stabbed with a screwdriver.

Seven boys have been arrested in connection with the incident – four aged 17, two 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old.

Chief Superintendent Ged Noble, of Northumbria Police, said detectives were investigating the circumstances of the attack.

“This was a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to Peter’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” he added. “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.

Police officers outside a branch of Greggs near Old Eldon Square, Newcastle, where a 52-year-old man was stabbed and later died in hospital (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

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

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.