The 46-year-old Hendon man who was murdered in the early hours of Saturday morning had his home burgled just two hours before, it has emerged.
Keith Redpath, 61 Tower Street West, died of a single stab wound to the chest just two hours after intruders broke into his home and stole his television.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Bent, leading the investigation, said: “At just after 2am on Saturday a number of offenders forced entry at 61 Tower Street West, damaging the front door.
“After gaining entry to the house, the offenders then attacked the victim, who subsequently left the property – a bungalow in a terraced street – through the back door, only to collapse in the street where he was found by a passerby.
“The offenders then took his large black flat screen television and carried it down Tower Street West, crossed Suffolk Street and continued down Tower Street.
“I am urging anyone who saw a television be carried along the street, either as a passerby, neighbour or motorists, to contact a member of the team investigating this murder.”
A television matching the description of the one stolen was later recovered from an address on Tower Street.
Four men, aged 18, 21, 33 and 34 are in custody in relation to the death.
Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043, ext. 69191 and ask to be put through to the Major Incident Room at Southwick or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
