A SEVENTH arrest has been made in connection with the alleged murder of a man in Middlesbrough earlier this week.

Cleveland Police have now arrested a seventh man in connection with the alleged murder of 27-year-old Steven John Willis in Normanby on Monday.

A 49-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, (Thursday), on suspicion of assisting an offender and he currently remains in custody.

A 32-year-old man also arrested yesterday on suspicion of assisting an offender has now been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.

Police have charged five men with murder and two counts of wounding with intent. All appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court yesterday.

Dominic John Pickering, 22, of Grinkle Avenue, Middlesbrough, spoke only to confirm his name and address. He faces one charge of murder and two charges of GBH.

Jack Cross, 21, of Olney Walk, Middlesbrough, is charged with the same offences on the same three victims.

Kieran Thomas Ibitson, 20, of Beresford Crescent, Middlesbrough, is facing one charge of murder and two charges of wounding with intent.

Mark Andrew Pickering, 32, Greenham Close, Middlesbrough, is charged with murder and two charges of wounding with intent.

Jahmal Weaver, 21, of Rounton Green, Middlesbrough, is charged with murder and two charges of GBH.

No pleas were indicated and all five will appear at Teesside Crown Court today.

A 17-year-old male who was taken to hospital following the alleged incident has now been released following treatment.

A 44-year-old man remains in hospital at this time.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting event number 066570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.