Appeal two years after man dies in Port Clarence

Officers are appealing for information two years after as man was killed during an incident in Port Clarence, Stockton.

A murder investigation was launched after Brian Gatley, who was 61 years old at the time, died following an altercation with a group of people outside of his home in Samphire Street at around 9.15pm on 28 November 2022.

An incident in Hatfield Road, believed to have involved some of the same people, happened earlier that evening, when a house was badly damaged, and a man was assaulted.

Seven people were arrested at the time in connection with the incident, but no-one has been charged for Brian Gatley’s death.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Karen Naunton, said:

“Two years is a long, long time for the family of Brian Gatley to wait to get some answers. We believe Brian died at the hands of others and as we continue to investigate his death, we are appealing for witnesses two years on. We are determined to find out exactly what happened that night, and who is responsible for Brian’s untimely death.

“I would urge anyone to come forward who has any information which might help. Even the smallest piece of information could make a huge difference – a difference which could provide vital answers for a grieving family”.

The family of Brian Gatley, said:

“There has been no closure for us as a family after losing Big Bri. We are a big family and we all miss him so much. Some of Bri’s grandkids never got to meet their to meet their grandad, and without knowing what really happened to him, we cannot explain this to all of the kids and we can’t have any closure.

“Big Bri loved Christmas, it was a big time for him, and everyone went to his on Christmas Day. He loved having everyone together.

“As we head towards Christmas as a family, without Big Bri again, we want to ask anyone who has any information at all to please tell the police. Please help our family get the answers we need to try and move forward and get some closure”.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet come forward, or anyone with any information, is asked to contact police by dialling 101. Please quote reference number SE22215203.