Kiwi dad stabbed to death in Newcastle

David Savage , New Zealander killed in the North-East of England. Pictured with his son Jak and daughter Erin. Photo / Go Fund Me.

A Kiwi dad has been stabbed to death near his home in the northern English city of Newcastle.

The Newcastle Chronicle reported David Savage, 42, died after he was stabbed in the suburb of Gosforth in the early hours of last Saturday.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with his murder and possession of an offensive weapon and appeared in the Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday. Savage's partner and two children released a statement through Northumbria police expressing their shock and grief, the Chronicle reported.

"He was deeply loved by his family and he was a committed partner to Donna and his children, Jak and Erin. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

"We are all devastated by his death but his two beautiful children will help get us all through this. Donna will raise Jak and Erin in a way that will make their daddy proud."

Savage grew up in the "idyllic surroundings of New Zealand but as a young man he always wanted to explore the world", the family said.

"His mother was British and as he had dual citizenship, he eventually decided to settle in England. He took well to living in the North East as he found people here were warm and welcoming.

"He had lots of friends who enjoyed his fun loving and generous personality."

Savage was well known in Newcastle as his business the "2 for 1" club meant he had many contacts.

The family had only recently moved to Kielder Way. Savage died at the corner of Kielder Way and Park Ave.

The charged teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied killing Savage, his barrister Michael Hodson told the Chronicle. A trial date has been set for February 29 but the teen, who has been remanded in custody, will return to court for a plea and case management hearing in December.

• A Go Fund Me fundraising page has been set up to help Savage's family, and almost NZ $10,000 has been raised.