Third man charged in murder investigation after death of 26-year-old father

A third man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 26-year-old Lewis Bell, police confirmed.

The 23-year-old man was arrested on Westerton Green in Hardwick, Stockton, after Mr Bell died on Hills Drive in Stockton on September 19.

He has since been charged with murder and will appear at Teesside Magistrates Court tomorrow (September 28).

26 year old Lewis Bell. (Image: Cleveland Police) It means a total of three men have been charged, including Liam Matthews, 25, of Quenby Road, Billingham, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named due to his age.

A full statement from Cleveland Police said: “Cleveland Police have charged a third man with murder in connection with the death of 26-year-old Lewis Bell following a shooting on Hills Drive in Stockton in the early hours of September 19th Incident was reported.”

Flower gifts at the crime scene. (Image: Terry Blackburn) “Detectives from the Homicide and Major Inquiry Team (HMET) have charged a 23-year-old man with murder and he is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court tomorrow (Saturday September 28).”

Following Mr Bell's death, his family paid tribute to their beloved father.

Lewis' father, Martin Bell, said: “He was much loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“He was a loving and loving father, son, brother, cousin and friend to many. As a family we are devastated.”