Two men have been charged with the murder of a 26-year-old man who died after a suspected ammonia spray attack on his front doorstep.
Andy Foster, 26, was attacked at a property in Wrekenton, Gateshead, at 11pm on 20 August.
Northumbria police said there were reports that two people knocked on Foster’s front door and, when he opened it, sprayed him with what is believed to be ammonia.
They fled and Foster was taken to hospital, where he later died.
Police said two men – Kenneth Fawcett, 32, of North Shields, and John Wandless, 32, of no fixed abode – had been charged with murder and were to appear at Newcastle crown court on Monday.
Three other people – two women and a man – who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and another man who was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, had been released under investigation.
DI Tomasz Fowler, of Northumbria police, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Andy’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time and we will continue to offer them all the support that they need.”
He thanked members of the public for their cooperation and support.
“Whilst these charges are a big step forward, it’s important to remember this investigation is far from over and we are still keen to hear from anyone with information which could help us in our inquiries.”
He asked that people refrain from speculating or commenting on the investigation, either in the community or online, to avoid jeopardising the live legal proceedings.
Foster’s family said in a statement released through police: “Andy was such a kind and funny boy who was so loved by his family and many friends.
“He was our only son – as well as a loving and supportive partner, grandson and cousin – and was particularly close with his grandad, who was very special to him.
“We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken beyond words that we have sadly lost our boy. Andy still had his whole life left ahead of him – and we are struggling to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer here with us.”
They thanked the community for their support over the past week, and asked for “the time and privacy we need to grieve, as we attempt to process what has happened”.
