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Victim's family speak of 'popular son'

Updated on 4th September 2012

The family of a man found dead in a Newark park have spoken of their loss.

Nathan Somers’ body was found on a path in Beacon Hill Conservation Park, in Beacon Hill Road, after a party turned into a fight at about 10.40pm on Friday (31 August 2012).

The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and a Home Office post-mortem examination determined he died from a single stab wound. 

In a statement, his mother Andrea said: “We are pleased with the progress detectives are making with the investigation into Nathan’s death and urge people to be patient and let justice run its course. 

“We are aware of the distress felt by the community, and appeal to people to remain calm. Be respectful and forthcoming to the police and let them do their job. 

“Our family is still very much in shock by what has happened to our much loved son and are attempting to come to terms with him being gone from our lives. He was such a popular person, with many friends, as demonstrated by the touching floral tributes and messages of sympathy and support being left at the skate park. The world will not be the same without him.

“We now appeal to people to give us the time and space to grieve in private.”

Specially-trained officers are supporting the family at this difficult time.

Reuben Edwards, aged 18, of Gardendale Avenue in Clifton, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, have been charged with murder. 

They remain in custody until their appearance at Nottingham Crown Court at 10.30am tomorrow (Wednesday 5 September 2012). 

Three other men, one aged 27 and two aged 18, and a 17-year-old boy have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Statements have been taken from a number of witnesses and CCTV footage is being reviewed as part of the murder inquiry. 

The final cordon was lifted yesterday and the park reopened to the public.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the attack to come forward.

Anyone with any information should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 963 of 31 August 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.   

Posted Monday 3 September 2012

Two people, who were arrested in connection with the death of Nathan Somers in Newark on Friday night (31 August 2012), have been charged.

Reuben Edwards, aged 18, of Gardendale Avenue in Clifton, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, have been charged with murder. 

They remain in custody until their appearance before Nottingham Magistrates at 9.45am tomorrow (Tuesday 4 September 2012).

Three other men, one aged 27 and two aged 18, and a 17-year-old boy, also arrested following the discovery of Mr Somers’ body on a path in Beacon Hill Conservation Park, in Beacon Hill Road, have been bailed pending further enquiries.
 
Nineteen-year-old Mr Somers, from Newark, was pronounced dead at the scene after reports of a fight at a birthday party at around 10.40pm.

A Home Office post-mortem examination found that he died of a stab wound.

Statements have been taken from a number of witnesses and CCTV footage is being reviewed as part of the murder inquiry.
 
The park was reopened this afternoon following the completion of forensic examination and the lifting of the cordon.

Specially-trained officers are supporting Mr Somers’ family at this time of distress.

Superintendent Mike Manley said: “We have met with our partners at the district and county council in response to this crime, and share a great shock and deep sadness at Nathan’s death.

“There can be no doubt that this is a significant incident for the people of Newark and it is right that we came together to consider the required immediate and long term responses.  

“We recognise there is a lot of upset and emotion among the community and we are doing all we can to provide support where necessary. 

“We have a team of experienced and dedicated detectives working on the case and extra evening patrols are being undertaken across Newark to provide further reassurance.

“A number of young people have chosen to remember Nathan by leaving messages and flowers at the skate park in Barnby Gate. Newark and Sherwood District Council has agreed to keep the gated area open after-hours to allow people to express their condolences.

“We ask that people treat this area with respect. 

“In the meantime, we are talking with Nathan’s family about how best to arrange a tribute in accordance with their wishes.”

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with any information about the incident, to contact them on 101, quoting incident 963 of 31 August 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.   

Posted Sunday 2 September 2012

A man found dead in a Newark park on Friday (31 August 2012) has been named.

The body of 19-year-old Nathan Somers, from Newark, was discovered on a path in Beacon Hill Conservation Park, in Beacon Hill Road, following reports of a fight at a birthday party at around 10.40pm.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Home Office post-mortem examination conducted last night (Saturday 1 September 2012) found that he died of a stab wound.

Specially-trained officers are providing support to Mr Somers’ family at this difficult time.

A murder inquiry is underway and six people, four men, one aged 27 and three aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, have been arrested in connection with the death. They remain in custody.

Extensive enquiries continue in the area and a cordon remains in place at the scene. The park is expected to be closed for the rest of the weekend while forensic examination takes place.

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with any information about the incident, to contact them on 101, quoting incident 963 of 31 August 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.   

Posted Sunday 2 September 2012

A sixth person has been arrested in connection with the death of a man in Newark.

The 18-year-old man is in police custody and will be questioned by detectives today (Sunday 2 September 2012).

More time has been granted to further question three men, one aged 27 and two aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, who were arrested following the discovery of the man’s body on a path in Beacon Hill Conservation Park, in Beacon Hill Road.
 
The alarm was raised after a birthday party turned into an altercation at around 10.40pm on Friday 31 August 2012.

The victim, who has yet to be formally identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

A Home Office Post-Mortem examination conducted last night found that he died of a stab wound.

A murder inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death continues.

A team of detectives are conducting extensive enquiries in the area, including speaking to a number of witnesses and checking CCTV footage. 

A cordon remains in place at the scene and the park is expected to be closed for the rest of the weekend while forensic examination continues.

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with any information about the incident, to contact them on 101, quoting incident 963 of 31 August 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.   

Posted Saturday 1 September 2012

Five people have been arrested following the death of a man in Newark.

A murder investigation is underway after police were called to reports of a disturbance at Beacon Hill Conservation Park, in Beacon Hill Road, at around 10.40pm yesterday (Friday 31 August 2012).

On arrival, a man’s body was discovered on a path in the park, off Jessop Way.

The three men, one aged 27 and two aged 18, and two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, arrested in connection with the incident remain in custody. They will be questioned by police today (Saturday 1 September 2012).

Extensive enquiries are being made in the area and a number of cordons are in place. The park is expected to be closed to the public for the rest of the day.

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with any information about the incident, to contact them on 101, quoting incident 963 of 31 August 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

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