Tributes paid to County Durham man stabbed to death as three charged with murder
by Owen Younger · ChronicleLiveTributes have been paid to a County Durham man who was stabbed to death, as three teenagers aged 16, 17 and 18, were charged with his murder.
Craig Yorke, 28, died in Eldon Lane on Saturday, at around 3.30am, with a post-mortem exam confirming the cause of death as stab wounds.
In a statement, his heartbroken family said: "Craig was a much-loved dad to his two girls Sadie and Verity. He was a fun-loving character, the life and soul of the party and he always put others before himself.
"The whole family is devastated at the loss of Craig and his death will leave a huge hole in our hearts forever."
The three teenagers charged in connection with his death were arrested later the same day. They appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' court on Tuesday morning and did not enter any pleas.
They were then taken back into custody and are set to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing at this time and a police cordon remains in place.
Anyone who has any information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting the incident number 53 and the date of December 14. Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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