North East Ambulance Service have paid tribute to their “much loved” colleague who was killed outside a Cramlington pub in a suspected hit-and-run incident at the weekend.

Sheldon Flanighan, who was an ambulance care assistant in the service, passed away at the scene on Saturday after efforts from paramedics were unsuccessful.

Police were called to the incident outside the Bay Horse pub on Sanderson Terrace at around 10pm, following reports of two men being struck by a van that drove away from the scene.

The ambulance service has now paid a heartfelt tribute to Mr Flanighan on social media, who was based at Ashington and Blucher stations in his 29-year-long career.

In a post, they said: “This news has come as a great shock to us all, and our thoughts are with Sheldon’s family, friends, colleagues at this incredibly sad time.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the professionalism and the compassionate care that the attending crews showed at this incident.

“This type of incident is never easy to deal with, but even more so when it involves a colleague.”

Following an investigation by Northumbria Police, three people have been charged with the murder of Mr Flanighan and for the attempted murder of the second male.

Toby Kelly, 37 of Wansbeck Avenue in Blyth, David Fairclough, 32, of Emerson Road, Newbiggin-by-the-sea and Shannon Wooden, 27, of Blyth are due to appear in Bedlington Magistrates court today (April 3).

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector, Dave Johnson, of Northumbria Police said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the families of everyone affected by this tragic incident and we ask that their privacy is respected while they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.

“We have now charged three people with murder and attempted murder and are working hard to establish exactly what happened in the moments before and after this incident.

“While our enquiries continue, we’d ask that people refrain from any type of speculation or commentary on social media and urge anyone who has information but hasn’t yet come forward to do so.” 

Anyone with information should all 101 or use the Tell Us Something page online, quoting log NP-20230401-1194.