Tributes to man, 26, who died after being ‘sprayed with ammonia’ at front door
Tributes have been paid to a ‘kind and funny’ man who died after he was allegedly sprayed with ammonia as he opened the front door.
Andy Foster was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the suspected attack in Wrekenton, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, on Sunday, August 20. Sadly he died at hospital.
Northumbria Police said reports suggest two people knocked on the front door at an address in Eighton Terrace around 11pm and when Mr Foster opened it they sprayed him with what’s believed to be ammonia, before running off.
Two men, both aged 32, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 34-year-old man and two women, aged 37 and 30, have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, while a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
In a heartfelt tribute, Mr Foster’s family said: ‘Andy was such a kind and funny boy who was so loved by his family and many friends.
‘He was our only son – as well as a loving and supportive partner, grandson and cousin – and was particularly close with his Grandad who was very special to him.
‘We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken beyond words that we have sadly lost our boy.
‘Andy still had his whole life left ahead of him – and we are struggling to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer here with us.
‘As a family, we would like to thank everyone in the community for their continued support and kind words over the past week.
‘We now respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy we need to grieve, as we attempt to process what has happened.’
The 26-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the incident has since been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.
Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: ‘Our thoughts continue to be with Andy’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.
‘Our specially-trained officers will continue to support them in every way they can, and we would ask that they are given the privacy they need following this tragic incident.
‘Extensive enquiries are ongoing to get answers for Andy’s family, with officers on duty in the area to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to the public.
‘While our investigation is at an early stage, we do believe that those involved are known to each other.
‘Today, I am once again urging anyone with information – who has not yet shared it with police – to get in touch as soon as possible. Do not hesitate in sharing what you know so we can get justice for Andy and his family.’
Police urged anyone with information to speak with an officer on duty, use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website, or call 101 quoting reference number: NP-20230820-1369.
People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.
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