THREE people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a man in County Durham.

Detectives investigating the murder of John Littlewood, whose body was discovered in a house in Blackhall Colliery on Tuesday, say three men have been arrested. 

Two men, aged 31 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of murder earlier today and are in police custody.

A third man was arrested later in the day.

Mr Littlewood, 36, whose body was found in a house in Third Street, died as a result of head injuries. 

About 50 detectives, crime scene investigators, uniformed officers and other staff are currently working on the investigation.

A cordon remains in place around the scene and officers have been carrying out house to house enquiries in the surrounding area.

The Northern Echo:

Third Street, Blackhall Colliery

Detective Superintendent Kevin Weir, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and my team of detectives and staff are working as quickly and as thoroughly as they can to establish exactly what has happened."

He added: “Blackhall Colliery is a tightly-knit place and I know many people will have been discussing this tragic incident among themselves.

“I would urge anyone who has any information which would help our enquiry, and has not already spoken to us, to contact us straightaway.”

Please call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 394 of July 30 with any information.

Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.