02
Oct
Police say 'no risk to wider public' after Harrogate murder
North Yorkshire Police has said there is "no wider risk to the public" as investigations into a Harrogate murder continue.
A cordon remained in place outside a housing association block of flats on Strawberry Dale yesterday (October 1) after a man in his 50s was found dead on Sunday.
Police found the body when they were called to the flats shortly before 11pm.
The Stray Ferret was told by police the Santuary Housing Association-owned block of flats was “on lockdown” when we visited the scene on Monday.
A police van remained at the scene yesterday and flowers had been left outside the building.
In an update last night, police said two men aged 26 and 34 who were arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody. A 47-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on conditional bail.
Flowers were left at the scene.
Temporary detective chief inspector, Tim Bentley, said in the updated statement:
I understand that there is concern within the community following this incident. I do not believe there is any risk to the wider public.
Our extensive investigation is continuing, and we are making progress with a team of detectives working around the clock to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
I would like to reiterate my appeal for information. If you can help our investigation, please contact us immediately. Please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12240177924. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can submit information online at https://mipp.police.uk/ by clicking on the North Yorkshire Police logo.
The Stray Ferret asked whether the victim would be named and why North Yorkshire Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the murder. A spokesperson reiterated the force's initial statement, which said it came after "previous police contact with the deceased".
The Stray Ferret approached Sanctuary Housing Association for a statement but it declined to comment.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
This is the third murder within a matter of metres of the area in just over three years.
Mark Wolsey was murdered in a bedsit on Mayfield Grove in 2021, while Gracijus Balciauskas was killed in a flat and wrapped up in a rug on the same street later that year.
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