Mum's Heartbreak as Disabled Son is Murdered in suspected Hate Crime

Bev Irving's world collapsed when police arrived at her doorstep to deliver the devastating news that her disabled son, Lee, had been murdered in Fawdon, Newcastle. Lee, 24, suffered from learning difficulties and was found dead on a grass verge on Saturday morning. A post-mortem examination led to a murder investigation, and six people have been arrested, with police suspecting that the killing may have been a disability hate crime. The tragic event is particularly heart-wrenching for Bev, who had been caring for Lee full-time and had recently lost her partner, Howard French, just a few months prior.

Key Takeaways:

• Lee Irving, a 24-year-old man with learning difficulties, was murdered in Fawdon, Newcastle, on Saturday morning.
• A post-mortem examination led to a murder investigation, and six people have been arrested, with police suspecting that the killing may have been a disability hate crime.
• Bev Irving, Lee's full-time carer and mother of four, is heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with the loss of her son.
• Lee was a "happy" and "lovely" person who loved animals, films, and ice skating, and was often seen playing with his family dogs, Roxy and Reggie.
• The murder is the second tragedy to hit Bev in a matter of months, after her partner Howard French died on May 13.
• Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who may have seen anything unusual in the area between 7am and 9am on Saturday morning.
• Extra officers are carrying out patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the local community, who are shocked and appalled by the tragic death.
• Lee is survived by his brothers Joe, 17, Owen, eight, and Charlie, seven.

Statistics:

• Five people, including a woman and four men, were arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend and remain in police custody.
• A sixth person, another woman, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder.
• Lee's murder is suspected to be a disability hate crime.
• The police investigation into Lee's death is ongoing, with officers appealing for witnesses to come forward.
• Bev Irving has lost two loved ones in a matter of months, including her partner, Howard French, who died on May 13.

Sources:

• "Mum's Heartbreak as Disabled Son is Murdered in suspected Hate Crime". Newcastle Chronicle.
• Police press conference, held by Supt Bruce Storey of Northumbria Police.
• "Murdered Newcastle man Lee Irving could have been victim of hate crime". The Sun.