More time for police in 1980s inquiry

An inquest into Mr Jackson's death returned a open verdict

Detectives questioning two men about a series of shootings in Newcastle in the 1980's have on Thursday night been granted a further 28 hours to interview them.

The men, from Newcastle and Strathclyde, are being questioned about a suspected murder, and two attempted murders, carried out between 1984 and 1986.

Two men recovered from head wounds, but a third died.

The men, aged 40 and 47, are being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder .

A first extension of 28 hours was granted on Wednesday night, before the second peroid of extra time on Thursday.

The men were arrested at addresses in Newcastle and Strathclyde and are being interviewed at a police station in the Northumbria Police force area.

The two men are being questioned over the shooting of John Matthewson, in Walker, in March 1984, and the shooting of Edward Towart in Barrack Road, Newcastle, in March 1986.

They are also being questioned about the death of Howard Jackson in April 1984.

John Matthewson leaving hospital in 1984

Mr Jackson, 58, of Shafto Street, was found dead at the bowls pavilion in Leazes Park, Newcastle. He died of a single bullet wound to the head.

An inquest into his death recorded an open verdict.