POLICE investigating the murder of football memorabilia seller John ‘the Badge’ Roberts have arrested three people.

Thirty-two-year-old Mr Roberts was found dead in his home in Blaydon, near Gateshead, in December. He died from a serious head injury.

Northumbria Police announced today (Monday April 8) that they have arrested three men on suspicion of murder.

Two are aged 40 and from the Gateshead area, while the third is 43 and from Newcastle.

All are said to be in custody helping with police inquiries.

Five people, three men and two women, were previously arrested earlier in the investigation and have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Roberts was well-known as a seller of badges and other football memorabilia at a pitch near the Tyneside Irish Centre on Newcastle United match days at nearby St James’ Park.

He lived alone in a terraced house in Park Terrace, in the Winlaton area of Blaydon, where passing police officers, who saw the house door open while on foot patrol, discovered him dead on Sunday December 16.

Detectives are continuing to carry out their investigation into the killing and anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101, extension 69191, or the Crimestoppers’ free-phone line anonymously, on (0800) 555111.