Blake Newland: Two men charged with murder of Limavady teenager

The pair – aged 27 and 29 – are due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Police confirmed late on Monday night that detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team had charged the two men with murder of the teenager on Friday night. He died in hospital after being stabbed in the Woodland Walk area of the town.

They have also charged two 16-year-old boys with grievous bodily harm with intent.

The two teenagers are also expected to appear before the same court.

A PSNI spokesperson said that, as is usual procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

A fifth man remains in police custody at this time.

Blake has been described in a family notice as ‘beloved son of Toni Newland and Simon McElwee. Loving brother of Kyra and Priah. A much loved grandson of Tony and Dorothy Newland, dear nephew of Arlene, Stacey and Kirsty’.

The community remains in shock following the incident, with officers from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team appealing for anyone who can help with their enquiries to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said: “Police received a report at around 9.35pm on Friday, February 2, that a man in his 50s had been stabbed.

"Officers attended and while carrying out enquiries they located Blake who was also seriously injured with stab wounds in a nearby house.

"Blake was taken to hospital where he subsequently died from his injuries.”

The second injured man was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Anyone who has any information that might help police with their enquiries is urged to come forward.

DCI Gibson said: "We are appealing to witnesses or anyone with information to contact detectives on 101 quoting 1924 02/02/24. Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has urged the public to assist the police with their investigation.

"This attack has shocked the local community and I am sure the community will support his family. I would appeal to anyone with information about this stabbing should bring it forward to the police immediately.”

SDLP Limavady councillor Ashleen Schenning has said that the whole community is “in a state of shock” following the fatal stabbing.

"This is a quiet and close-knit community where nobody expects something like this to happen on their doorstep.

"My thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenager who was killed as a result of this incident. A young life being cut so short is utterly tragic and I can only imagine what they are dealing with today.

"We know from bitter experience that knife crime can often have tragic consequences and the use of a weapon in this attack is particularly concerning. I would ask for anyone with any information about what happened to come forward to police so that those responsible can be apprehended and brought to justice.”