Murder investigation launched in Harrogate

UPDATE 7.10pm - WEDNESDAY 02 OCTOBER  2024

Family pay tribute to 'loving' man who died following attack, as two are charged with murder

Detectives investigating the death of a man in Harrogate have charged two people with murder.

The two men aged 26 and 34 were charged today (Wednesday 02 October 2024). They were both remanded in custody before they appear at York Magistrates Court tomorrow (Thursday 03 October 2024).

The charges follow an investigation after we were called to reports of an incident at a flat in Strawberry Dale, Harrogate on Sunday night.

A third man in his 40s who was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released on bail.

We can now name the man who died in the incident as 56-year-old Paul Tillett. Paul’s family have paid the following tribute to him:

“Paul, you were a much-loved son, dad, brother and uncle, who will be truly missed and forever in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. Sleep tight, we love you.”

Paul’s daughter separately said: “My dad's life ended way too soon, he will be missed dearly by close friends and family.

“He brought me up with so much love and respect and I'll always remember the great moments we shared. I'll forever miss him, and I hold him close to my heart, and be devastated on the things he'll miss throughout my life. I hope he is at peace.”

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Tim Bentley, said: “Our thoughts are with Paul’s family who are being supported by our specialist family liaison officers.

“I’d like to praise the officers and staff who have worked on this investigation so far, especially those who were first at the scene and those who have worked round the clock to carry out a diligent and thorough investigation.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised these charges, but our investigation continues. We’d still like to hear from anyone with information who has not yet spoken with officers.

“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.”

Update 7.25pm Tuesday 01 October 2024

A brief update on the Harrogate murder investigation

The two people that were arrested on suspicion of murder currently remain in police custody.

A 47-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on conditional bail.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Tim Bentley, said: “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.”

ORIGINAL APPEAL

We have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Harrogate.

Shortly before 11pm yesterday (Sunday 29 September), we received a report of an incident at a flat in Strawberry Dale, Harrogate.

Officers attended the address immediately, where they located the body of a man in his 50s. He was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics.

Two men aged 26 and 34 years old have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A third person, a man in his 40s has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three currently remain in police custody.

Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. As per the standard procedure we are in the process of notifying the Independent Office for Police Conduct following previous police contact with the deceased.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Jonathan Sygrove, said: "We would urge anyone with information that may assist our investigation to get in touch straight away. 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.

"We know this will be extremely worrying for the local community, and officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Team will be on duty today and carrying out reassurance patrols in the area. Please speak to them if you have any concerns."