THE sister of woman who died from stab wounds after she was attacked by large gang of men is backing a police appeal for information, as officers confirmed six men are now being held as part of the investigation.
Jodie Wilkinson, 27, was with a 25-year-old man when they were attacked by around ten men in Newcastle on Monday afternoon.
Paramedics were called to Stanhope Street in Arthurs Hill shortly before 3.50pm and the pair were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Floral tributes left at the scene of the incident. Photo: North News
The man received treatment and was later discharged from hospital, but Miss Wilkinson died as a result of her injuries.
Her sister, Amy, she said: "Jodie was a devoted aunty and loving sister.
“She would do anything for anyone and we've got no idea why someone would take her life.
“All we ask is at this stage anyone with any information, no matter how small, to please come forward and assist the police.”
Officers investigating the attack went to Queens Court and three men, aged 22, 25 and 25, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Last night police confirmed two further men, aged 18 and 20, have been arrested in connection with Miss Wilkinson's death.
And this morning, officers arrested a sixth man, aged 43, in connection with the murder.
All six arrested men are in police custody.
Chief Superintendent David Felton, of Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the friends and family of Jodie Wilkinson at this tragic time.
“I want to reassure them that we are doing all we can to find and arrest those responsible for her death and make sure they get the justice they deserve.”
Police at the scene on Monday night. Photo: North News
Officers believe there could have been around ten or 11 men in the group that were involved in the attack on the two victims and that they all fled the scene after the stabbing.
Detectives investigating her death are urgently appealing for people to co-operate with the inquiry.
Ch Supt Felton said: “We believe that this has been an altercation between a group of people who may have been known to each other and not a random attack.
“Although the motive behind the attack is still being investigated we believe it potentially could have been some kind of dispute and I want to reassure the community that we do not believe there is any risk to the general public.
“That said, we will have extra officers in the area over the coming days to reassure people and provide a visible policing presence in the area.
“Please speak to them if you have any concerns or want to pass any information on.”
The weapon that was used during the offence has not been located and officers are carrying out enquiries to find it.
A crime scene is still being preserved by police in Stanhope Street to allow for a full investigation in the area to be carried out and a small section of the road is cordoned off and closed to the public.
Extra officers are in the area and are carrying out house to house enquiries, speaking to local residents, identifying potential CCTV cameras and potential witnesses to the attack.
Ch Supt Felton said: “The attack happened Stanhope Street and we know it was fairly busy at the time.
“It was 3.50pm and schools had not long finished and people were walking, driving and cycling in the area.
“There will be lots of people who were there or who were passing through and who might have seen something.
“We really need these people, or anybody who thinks they can help us, to speak to us straight away.
“Any tiny piece of information could be key so please don't hesitate in contacting us.
"The incident itself would have looked like a group of people fighting, like an altercation of some kind, and there would have been shouting and fighting.
“People would have then seen group then flee the scene, we believe, in the direction of Queens Court. If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area then please come forward and speak to officers or ring us.
“We've had the area where the incident took place cordoned off and I want to thank the local residents of Stanhope Street for working with us during what is an extremely difficult investigation.
“We are trying to keep disruption to the local community as minimal as possible however this is a murder investigation and we are doing all we can to identify and arrest those responsible.
"We really need the public's help and in particular the help from the local community.
“If you don't want to speak to police then that's fine, please use Crimestoppers because it is completely anonymous.
“Information can be passed to them on their number without giving your name or any details and there is a reward for helping us.
"Anyone who knew Jodie or who has any information at all then please do the right thing and speak to us, help us bring those responsible for her death into custody.”
- People can ring 101 to pass information to police direct, quoting reference number 702 17/10/16, or through Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
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