Identity of 79-year-old who died following suspected Prudhoe assault confirmed

The identity of an elderly man who lost his life in a suspected assault last week has been confirmed.

The 79-year-old has been named of Roy Clayton of Prudhoe, who sustained a serious neck injury in the incident at 9:40 am on Friday, December 10 on Woodhead Road.

Roy spent four days in hospital following the suspected assault but eventually died.

His family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers at this devastating time.

An investigation is ongoing into Roy’s death with one male having been arrested in connection with the incident. He remains on police bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Dodds, of Northumbria Police, said: “Roy’s family are understandably distraught by what has happened and have asked that their privacy is respected as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.

“For this to happen at any time is difficult, but so close to Christmas is incredibly poignant and they have rightly asked for time and space to help process the events of the last few days.

“I would like to thank everyone who has so far come forward to assist our investigation.

"Our enquiries are very much ongoing, and we’re determined to give Roy’s family the answers they deserve regarding his death.

“Please continue to refrain from any speculation – both on social media and in the wider community – that could jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website.