Five arrested in inquiry into death of John 'The Badge' Roberts (From The Northern Echo)
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Five arrested in police inquiry into death of John 'The Badge' Roberts
9:40am Thursday 28th February 2013 in News
By Bruce Unwin, Chief Reporter (Durham)
FOUND DEAD: John Roberts
POLICE investigating the death of a well-known football memorabilia seller have arrested five people, four on suspicion of murder.
John Roberts, known to many Newcastle United fans as ‘John the Badge’, was found dead in his home in Winlaton, near Blaydon, Gateshead, on Sunday December 16, 2012.
The 32-year-old bachelor died as a result of a serious head injury.
Northumbria Police said today that men aged 27 and 21, a further male, aged 17, and a 16-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 15-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
All five are said to be in custody today “helping with inquiries”.
Mr Roberts, who lived alone in the property in Park Terrace, was last seen the previous evening when he visited a local newsagent shop where he was a regular customer.
He was best known as a seller of badges and other football memorabilia at a pitch near the Tyneside Irish Centre, on the approach to St James’ Park.
Mr Roberts was also a regular organiser of transport to Newcastle away games.
During the investigation into the suspected killing of Mr Roberts, police have spoken to, and leafleted members of the Toon Army heading to St James’ Park on match days, appealing for information from fans.
Detectives are, meanwhile, continuing to carry out inquiries in to Mr Roberts’ death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191, or the independent charity Crimestoppers’ freephone line, anonymously, if they wish, on 0800-555111.
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