‘No trend of violence’ in Newark, area’s Inspector assures, in wake of launch of two murder investigations in two months

Newark’s police chief has offered reassurance to the community as officers conduct a second murder investigation in as many months.

An increased police presence has been provided in the wake of a man’s death on Lombard Street on June 16 — and Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, has assured residents that there is ‘no trend of violence’ in the town.

On April 30, 40-year-old James Cook was pronounced dead on Castlegate after suffering fatal stab wounds.

Brandon Byrne, 22, of Winston Court, Newark, was charged with murder in relation to Mr Cook’s death.

In an unrelated incident on June 16, emergency services were called to reports of a motorist in distress on Lombard Street, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.

The man, who has not yet been named, is believed to have sustained injuries during a fight earlier that same day which may have contributed to his death.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and subsequently release on conditional bail as investigations continue. A 37-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “Offences of this nature are thankfully extremely rare for Newark, but it’s absolutely true that even the loss of one life is too many.

“While these incidents were very different from one another and completely unconnected, I appreciate news of two murder investigations in the town will have caused concern locally.

“As I’ve said though, there was no link between either and there’s certainly no trend of violence in Newark. In fact, violent crime has actually reduced by 9% in the town over the last 12 months.

“Despite this, I completely understand the concerns people could have, which is why we’ve provided more of an increased police presence in the area over the last few days and why this will continue.

“As well as acting as a deterrent to crime on the streets, the purpose of these additional patrols is to provide you, the public, with some added reassurance.

“Please feel free to approach any of our officers and speak to them about any concerns or information you have.”

Detectives investigating the death on June 16 have recently widened their public appeal, and want to hear from anyone who thinks they may have inadvertently recorded footage of a fight on or around Albert Street, Windsor Road, or Boundary Road at around 4pm on the day, whether on their phone, CCTV, doorbell, or dash-cam.

Information can be shared with police by calling 101, quoting incident 547 of June 16, 2025, or by using the online portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25E83-PO1.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.