THE VICTIM of a 'prolonged and vicious" attack has been confirmed by police as 29-year-old Mark Shaw.

Mr Shaw - known as 'Sharky' - suffered multiple injuries but died from a single stab wound was found in a house in Grange Villa, County Durham, at the weekend.

A murder investigation was launched after the discovery of a body in an upstairs bedroom at 47, Pine Street in the village, on Saturday. He had been tied up.

It is believed his death follows an ongoing feud.

A post mortem examination found the formal cause of death was a single stab wound, however he also sustained multiple injuries to his head and body consistent with a severe assault.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Green said: “The victim was subjected to what was a prolonged and vicious attack which lasted a considerable length of time.

“We believe this may have started in the house late on Friday night or into the early hours of Saturday, so I am appealing for anyone who may have heard sounds of a disturbance at those times to come forward.

”However, no alarm was raised until that evening when a local beat officer was made aware there might be someone at risk in the premises.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who might have witnessed people going into or out of number 47 at various times during Saturday, 17th December.

“There will be further police activity throughout the day not only in Pine Street but other locations, including a grassed area known locally as the dene.

"I would be interested to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in that area, for example a fire being set.”

Over 60 detectives, crime scene investigators, uniformed officers and other staff are currently working on the investigation.

Four people – three men and a woman – have been arrested as part of the investigation - two of the men and the woman on suspicion of murder, the other man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All are from the Grange Villa area.

Officers were called to Pine Street in the village, which is between Chester-le-Street and Stanley, at around 6pm on Saturday.

After forcing entry to the property, they discovered the victim tied up and beaten in one of the bedrooms.

The Northern Echo:

Crime scene investigators have been searching the area around Pine Street for evidence 

On Sunday, Det Supt Green said: “It was a savage attack and I don’t use that term lightly. Unfortunately he has been brutally beaten and as a result has succumbed to his injuries.”

Residents living nearby in Grange Villa have shared their shock. 

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said of the victim: "I am absolutely gutted for him. I am just so sorry for him. He wasn't a fighter."

Another resident said: "It’s terrible, it’s shocking. He didn’t deserve it.”
He added: “It is not something that happens every day. I just feel sorry for the lad. He was harmless and didn't bother anyone."

Meanwhile, a friend posted on Mr Shaw's Facebook page: "I carnt get my head around wat has happend he was such a little **** at times and he was such a Lovely lad that anyone could ask for he was good with the kids I'm gutted r.i.p Marky Sharky Shaw we will never ever forget u xx"

Another wrote: "Horrible news to wake up to. One of my brothers oldest friends has had his life sadly taken from him. Poor lad wouldn't say boo to a goose too. RIP" 

The force’s Major Crime Team has set up an incident room at Chester-le-Street police station and anyone who can help is asked to contact them via 101.

Det Supt Green added: "Grange Village is a close-knit community and people will know about what has happened.

"I would urge them to come forward. We are still searching for more people and we expect further arrests to be made."

  • Witnesses or anyone with information can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.