Peter Duncan murder: Teenager charged over man stabbed to death with screwdriver outside Newcastle Greggs

Eight teenagers originally arrested following unprovoked attack on 'devoted father' 

Emma Snaith
Saturday 17 August 2019 17:05 BST
Peter Duncan, 52, was stabbed to death in Newcastle on 14 August
Peter Duncan, 52, was stabbed to death in Newcastle on 14 August

A 17-year-old has been charged with the murder of a "devoted father" who was stabbed to death with a screwdriver outside a Greggs in Newcastle.

Peter Duncan was stabbed once in the chest in an unprovoked attack in the Intu Eldon Square shopping centre at around 6.20pm on Wednesday.

The 52-year-old later died of his injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The victim was a lawyer for multi-national maritime firm Royal IHC Limited, which has offices a short walk away from the scene of the stabbing.

Northumbria Police said a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon and theft. He will appear before North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Police originally arrested a total of eight teenage boys aged between 14 and 17 in connection with Mr Duncan's death.

Four of the teenagers have been released with no further action and three have been released under investigation.

The force said officers have recovered the screwdriver believed to have been used to stab Mr Duncan in the "chance encounter".

Mr Duncan's family described him as a “kind and caring man who was always first to help others”.

“He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and loved by all who knew him,” a statement added.

Northumbria Police Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Ged Noble, said: "This continues to be an extremely difficult time for the family and loved ones of Peter and we ask that their privacy is respected.

"We know that these types of incidents can have a big impact on the local community. I want to reassure the public and businesses that we are doing all we can to prevent incidents of this tragic nature and ensure people feel safe.

"I also want to thank those who have come forward with information and for the public's patience during our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.

Additional reporting by PA

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