DETECTIVES leading a homicide investigation have launched a fresh appeal for information.

Fire ripped through the Manor House premises, on High Street, Easington Lane, in the early hours of Saturday, November 3.

The Northern Echo:

Patryk Mortimer, 39, who lived in the premises, was found unconscious inside and pronounced dead soon after.

Northumbria Police launched an investigation and have since seized more than 600 hours of CCTV footage and spoken to dozens of people.

In total, six people were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain under investigation.

 

As the enquiry enters a second month, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector John Bent, has appealed for any witnesses yet to come forward to do so.

“Almost a month has passed since the fire and our investigation remains very much ongoing,” Det Chief Insp Bent said.

“We are treating this as a homicide investigation as we map out the sequence of events that led to Patryk’s death.

“His family deserve to know the circumstances surrounding his death. We will do everything we can to allow them some kind of closure and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“This is a large-scale investigation that has so far involved many officers, forensic experts and specialist detectives. A number of people have been interviewed and six people remain under investigation as part of our enquiries.

“I would like to thank Patryk’s family for the bravery they have shown over the last few weeks, as well as the local community who have shown great patience and cooperation as the officers continue with the investigation.

“Today, more than one month on since the fire, I am launching a fresh appeal to the public. We still need the community’s support and assistance, and I am eager to hear from anybody who saw anything suspicious in the early hours of November 3.

“Even the tiniest piece of information could hold the key to this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 146 031118 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.