(Image: DURHAM POLICE)
Five people will go on trial today accused of murdering a “kind-hearted” man at a County Durham petrol station.
Daniel Ambler was hit by a car at the Esso garage on Stockton Road, Seaham, at about 4.50pm on Thursday, January 15.
The 23-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Durham Police arrested five people on suspicion of murdering Mr Ambler at the petrol station.
Esso New Seaham Service Station, in Stockton Road, Seaham, the scene of Daniel Ambler's death (Image: Sarah Caldecott (The Northern Echo))
Barry Anderson, 52, of Canon Cockin Street, Sunderland; Ashton Anderson, 20, of Ryton Crescent, Seaham; and Barry Logan Anderson, 19, of Nursery View, Shotton Bank, are charged with murder and violent disorder.
Two boys, now 18, who have not been named for legal reasons, also appeared in court charged with both offences.
Judge Francis Laird KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, is expected to hear the trial at Teesside Crown Court listed for up to five weeks.
Mourners left floral tributes outside the service station after Mr Ambler’s death.
A forensic officer working at the scene of the alleged murder of Daniel Ambler
His family said: “Daniel was a much-loved son and brother, and his death will leave a huge hole in our hearts forever.
“He had a great sense of humour, was popular among friends, and was able to bring laughter to any situation.
A forensic officer working at the scene
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“Our family is devastated, but we will remember Daniel for being the kind-hearted soul that he was.”
The road remained closed after the alleged murder as crime scene investigators returned to continue their enquiries.
Forensic officers in white suits photographed the scene from a blue tent at the garage, while uniformed police searched nearby grassland close to The Mallard pub.