FIVE people have now been arrested in connection with the murder of a 27-year-old man, which is is being treated as a 'targeted attack' by police.

The men, aged between 20 and 31, were arrested following an incident in Meadowcroft Road, Normanby, Middlesbrough at around 10.30pm on Monday night.

Two other men aged 17 and 44 are also being treated at James Cook University Hospital for non-life threatening injuries and are both in stable condition.

The latest Cleveland Police statement said: "Detectives investigating the murder of a 27 year old man in Meadowcroft Road, Normanby, have arrested a fifth man this afternoon.

"The 21 year old was arrested on suspicion of murder and he has been detained at Middlesbrough Police Office where he faces questioning."

Earlier in the day, Cleveland Police: "Officers investigating the murder of a 27-year-old man in Normanby last night can confirm they believe the incident was a targeted attack.

"Police remain in the area conducting inquiries and providing reassurance to residents. Anyone with information is asked to speak to an officer or call 101 quoting Event 66570.

"Three men, aged 20, 22 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 27 year old man.

"A fourth man, aged 21, was arrested this morning on suspicion of murder and he is in police custody awaiting questioning, along with the three men already arrested in connection with the incident."

A resident in her 80s told The Northern Echo: "I can't believe something like this would happen in our beautiful neighbourhood. You see these sort of things on the news and never think it will happen near you.

"I can't believe how big the cordon is. The first I heard about it was when my son rang this morning to see if I was alright. I didn't know what he was talking about."

A member of a group of dog walkers said: "We walk through this park everyday and we're just shocked. It's so close. It really is just a quiet little neighbourhood with no trouble. A lot of parked cars is usually our biggest concern."

Another resident said: "Nobody near me heard or saw anything until we woke up. The friend who lives closest out of all of us was really upset.

"I don't know if she saw anything. People are just really shocked - everyone is in a state of shock. It's so so sad. When we heard someone had died, my heart just sank. It's absolutely awful."