Durham Constabulary has launched a major murder investigation and is urgently searching for a teenager following the death of a man at a petrol station in Seaham.
Appeal to Locate 19-Year-Old Suspect
Police are appealing for the public's help to find 19-year-old Ashton Anderson, who they want to speak to in connection with the fatal incident. The disturbance occurred on the forecourt of the New Seaham Service Station on Stockton Road at approximately 4.50pm on Thursday, 15 January.
Emergency services rushed to the scene where a man in his 20s had sustained serious injuries. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the location. Specialist officers are now supporting his grieving family.
Seven Arrests Made in Connection
The force's Major Crime Team is leading the inquiry and has already made a significant number of arrests. A total of seven people have been taken into custody in relation to the case.
Those arrested include three teenage men and one man in his 50s, all detained on suspicion of murder. Additionally, one teenage woman and two women in their 40s have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All seven individuals remain in police custody for questioning.
Police Warn Against Assisting Suspects
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Woollett addressed the community, stating: "I’d like to thank the community of Seaham for their support while our officers have been carrying out their inquiries since Thursday evening." He sought to reassure residents, adding that there is no information to suggest a wider risk to the public.
However, DCI Woollett issued a stern warning: "Anybody found to be assisting or concealing suspects, however, will face robust action." An increased police presence will be maintained in the area as the investigation continues.
Anderson is described as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, of slim build, and with short brown hair. Police are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident, to come forward immediately.
Information can be passed to Durham Police by calling 101 and quoting the reference number 281 of 15 January.
