"You were a lovely bloke": Tributes left to alleged Elswick murder victim John Hardy
by Sophie Doughty · ChronicleLiveFlowers and candles have been placed close to the spot where popular pensioner John Hardy was allegedly killed.
The 68-year-old died soon after he was found seriously injured on Sceptre Place in Elswick, Newcastle, on Monday night. Police say he suffered injuries "consistent with being caused by a bladed article". Brenda Heslop, 62, also of Sceptre Place has since been charged with John's murder.
Today specialist police search teams were still at the scene, where one house remains cordoned off with police tape. And a collection of floral tributes laid for John continues to grow.
A card on one bouquet said: "Our friend John. Goodnight, God Bless. Rest in Peace. Fly High mate." Another reads: "RIP John. You were a lovely bloke. You're gonna be a miss." And a third describes John's death as "devastating".
Emergency services were called to Sceptre Place at around 6.30pm on Monday night. A large section of the street was cordoned off throughout the day yesterday as shocked neighbours watched police search gardens, bins and in drains. Today the cordon has been reduced with just one property sealed off.
However, two search team vans are still at the scene, along with a number of uniformed officers.
Det Insp Mark Atherton, of Northumbria Police's Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with John’s family at this extremely difficult time. We will offer them all of the support we can as they attempt to process the events of the past couple of days.
“A suspect has now been charged to appear in court and I’d ask that everyone avoid speculation – both online and in the community- and respect the active legal proceedings. Thank you to all of those who have so far provided information towards our investigation. If you have details which could assist us, then please get in touch.”
Neighbours paid tribute to John yesterday.
Family friend Joanne Robson, 40, said: "He was the nicest person you would ever meet. I’ve known him from being a baby, he’s been here all my life. He would always greet you by your name. There’s seven of us but he always remembered your name."
And a 44-year-old man, who did not want to be named, said John was a well-known and liked resident of the estate.
"He was a nice fella, everyone liked him," he said. "I have known him all my life. It’s a real shock. He liked bets and he likes the horses. He was just a nice gentleman. He used to walk around talking to people. Everyone talked highly of him. He wouldn’t harm a fly."
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police quoting log number NP-20241111-0911.
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