Two women have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in his 70s at a retirement complex in Stockton, County Durham. Police were called to Cedar House, a sheltered housing scheme for residents over 60, at approximately 2:44 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers arrested two women, aged 41 and 54, who remain in police custody. Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner of Cleveland Police's homicide and major enquiry team stated that the incident is believed to be targeted. Police are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the man's death.
Cedar House consists of 44 one-bedroom flats and was recently renovated, including the installation of new CCTV systems. The housing association Thirteen, which manages Cedar House, described the accommodation as providing support for residents to live independently while offering features such as a 24-hour emergency alarm system and secure intercom entry.
The deceased has not yet been formally identified, but his family has been notified and is being supported by specialist officers. Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of Cedar House on the late evening of Monday, July 20, or the early hours of Tuesday, July 21, and might have observed anything unusual or suspicious to contact Cleveland Police.