Heading to Bishop Auckland Food Festival this weekend? Organisers have announced travel arrangements for getting to the event. Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns to the town centre on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April, for two days of fun, food and family entertainment. With over 150 stalls, festivalgoers will beContinue Reading
A money launderer who fled during his 2018 trial has been extradited from the Netherlands and jailed for five-and-a-half years. Javed Ahmad was caught trying to stuff more than £100,000 in a filing cabinet when HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers raided his Burnley office in November 2015. The 50-year-oldContinue Reading
Officers are appealing for the public’s help in locating a wanted Sunderland man. Connor Tayton, 29, is wanted in connection with reports of threats to kill. Tayton has strong links to the Sunderland and South Tyneside areas. On Monday, officers asked for the public’s help to trace him and urgedContinue Reading
A crooked accountant who abused his position to orchestrate a £1.7 million tax fraud – spending the stolen cash on lavish holidays and cars – has been jailed for four years. Kenneth Scott, who ran an accountancy firm from five bases across the North East, charged clients VAT but failedContinue Reading
A man who breached a court order to groom a teenage girl has been jailed for 13 years – as his brave survivor speaks out. Curtis Cruickshank, now 23, was handed a two-year Sexual Risk Order (SRO) in April 2021 which placed strict restrictions on him including permitting him fromContinue Reading
Spring cleaning’s well under way and gardens are starting to grow – but that’s no excuse for inconsiderate and illegal dumping. That’s the message from Middlesbrough Council chiefs as they sound a warning over the penalties faced by those caught fly-tipping. While some responsibly hire skips and workmen to helpContinue Reading
COLLEAGUES from a Teesside-based healthcare trust have been highlighted for their work in delivering and supporting the implementation of an electronic patient record (EPR), following a recent survey by NHS England. South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised as one of the top 10 trusts in an ‘EPRContinue Reading
The first patients have been welcomed into a new state-of-the-art community health facility in Teesside. The Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre will offer rapid tests for a range of health issues including cancer, heart and lung disease. The site, which opened this month in Bridge Street in Stockton, is beingContinue Reading
An NHS research team in Teesside has hit a national first in a study looking at the impact of a capsule patients swallow to help detect bowel cancer. The research service at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has recruited the first patient into the ColoCap trial this week.Continue Reading
A 76-year-old Hartlepool resident, known locally as the “Hartlepool Bird Man,” has been fined £2,176.13 for feeding wild birds in the town. Brian, who purchases 30 loaves of bread daily to ensure the birds are fed, was taken to court after the council accused him of contributing to a verminContinue Reading
Officers are appealing for the public’s help to locate a wanted man. Kevin Chapman, who is aged 40, is wanted in relation to an alleged assault. Chapman has links to the North Tyneside area but also to Middlesbrough in Teesside. Chapman is described as a white man, 5ft 10in tall,Continue Reading
A prolific offender who persistently targeted Tyneside taxi drivers has been jailed and banned from stepping foot inside several communities – following a multi-agency investigation involving police and partners. Tony Hall repeatedly carried out attacks on taxis and other vehicles in the Heaton, Jesmond, Fenham and West End areas ofContinue Reading
A new role is supporting NHS staff and patients to prevent fall injuries during hospital stays and reduce hospital re-admissions. 30-year-old D’Arcie Hall, from Billingham, was appointed falls educator at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in February 2025. A brand new position in the trust, her role looksContinue Reading
An installation of 675 roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels has commenced at Middlesbrough’s Rainbow Leisure Centre. The panels are funded via a grant of £459,400 from the second phase of Sport England’s £60 million Swimming Pool Support Fund. Leisure Energy was appointed by the Council as Principal Designer and Principal ContractorContinue Reading
Two men who threatened a family in their North Tyneside home in an attempt to take money from them have been jailed. Craig Irving and Clark Morrison went to an address in the Forest Hall area on August 11 last year and gained entry to the property while wearing balaclavasContinue Reading
Striking new artworks are to be woven into the £21 million regeneration of Catterick town centre. Three artists have been commissioned to design a range of pieces – including a series of entrance markers to welcome visitors, and a sculpture to encourage a moment of reflection – for the developmentContinue Reading
A second person has sadly died following a serious collision in Sunderland, officers can today (Wednesday) confirm. At about 11.30am on Tuesday, March 24, police received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the A19 northbound near Nissan, close to the junction with the A1290. It involved a white MANContinue Reading
A brand-new launch pad membership designed to support early-stage businesses has been created by the North East Chamber of Commerce. Start Up and Grow is the latest addition to the Chamber’s enhanced membership offer, providing the tools, support and connections for incorporated start-ups in their first two years of business.Continue Reading
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen’s new Police, Crime and Justice Plan, setting out ambitious action to make County Durham and Darlington safer, stronger and more resilient to drug and alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour will be implemented from 1 April. The County Durham and Darlington PCC has consideredContinue Reading
A new operator has been unveiled for Middlesbrough’s popular Municipal Golf Centre. Link Golf UK will enhance and develop the facility as a hub for golfers of all ages and abilities. Under the exciting new partnership, the company has outlined a range of planned improvements including the introduction of TrackManContinue Reading
Officers investigating a hate crime in Gateshead have released an image of a man they would like to identify. At around 3.30pm on Tuesday, February 25, it was reported that a man used his shoulder to barge past the victim before spitting on the floor next to them. It wasContinue Reading
Officers searching for a wanted man are appealing to the public to help locate him. Anthony Hall, 32, is wanted in connection with arson and criminal damage. Extensive searches have been ongoing across the region to locate him. Hall has links to the Houghton area. Officers from Northumbria Police areContinue Reading
Families who claim Child Benefit will see an increase in their payment next week, says HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). From 7 April 2025, parents will receive £26.05 per week – or £1,354.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week – or £897 aContinue Reading
Officers are appealing for information after a road traffic collision in Northumberland left a woman with serious injuries. Just before 8.15pm on Wednesday (March 26), police received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the A69, between Haltwhistle and Greenhead. It was reported that a grey Audi A1 and blackContinue Reading
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has praised officers for their relentless commitment to making the county safer as new figures revealed significant reductions in neighbourhood crime and serious violence. In a snapshot performance update covering October to December 2024, the County Durham and Darlington PCC reported sweeping improvements againstContinue Reading
A demand for a change in the law was prompted after Clare Wood’s murder at the hands of her ex-partner in 2009 at her home in Salford. It was later discovered that her ex-partner, George Appleton, had a history of violence against women which Clare was not aware of. HeContinue Reading
A new event celebrating world cuisine and handcrafted goods is set to attract thousands of visitors to Scarborough next month. Bringing a mix of international flavours, artisan products and family-friendly entertainment, the Scarborough Food and Drink Festival will be held at the town’s Open Air Theatre on April 12 andContinue Reading
28 March 2025 Innovations in transporting blood products and diversifying the workforce by introducing apprenticeship schemes has resulted in the pathology team at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust being recognised at the 2025 North East and Yorkshire Healthcare Science Awards. The awards acknowledge teams and individuals that are actively workingContinue Reading
Officers searching for a wanted woman are appealing to the public to help locate her. Victoria Kelly, 35, is wanted for burglary and breach of a restraining order. Extensive searches have been ongoing across the region to locate Kelly, who has links to Sunderland – in particular the Hendon andContinue Reading
A drug dealer is behind bars after a successful police investigation following Operation Impact in Gateshead. Wayne Mooney was first arrested at a property on Saltwell Street in Bensham in November 2023. Officers searching the property seized cocaine, cannabis and cannabis edibles. £15,594.66 in cash was also seized. Following furtherContinue Reading
Officers investigating a report of burglary in Northumberland have released images of a man they would like to speak to. Police received a report of burglary at an address on Marine Terrace in the Blyth area at about 4.40am on March 11. Offenders were reported to have forced entry toContinue Reading
Eight drug dealers have been sentenced to a combined 36 years in prison after police busted a criminal network operating in a Northumberland town. Steven Brown and later his brother Shay acted as the head of a conspiracy to supply cocaine, while their brother Craig Brown controlled cannabis supply inContinue Reading
A hospital’s use of a new robot to help surgeons perform knee surgery is proving successful – with patients praising its impact. Anne Cavanagh was one of the first patients to benefit after the ROSA robot was brought into use at the University Hospital of Hartlepool earlier this year. TheContinue Reading
Officers investigating a report of sexual assault and rape in Newcastle have released an image of a man they would like to identify. Police received a report that between 12.45am and 1.05am on Saturday, February 1, a woman was sexually assaulted and raped by a man on Union Street in Shieldfield.Continue Reading
Officers are urging the public to remain vigilant after three suspected parcel fraudsters have been arrested across the region after victims lose almost £20k. On Friday (March 28), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) arrested a 23-year-old man in Newcastle believed to be linked to postalContinue Reading
Controversial podcaster James English, best known for his YouTube show Anything Goes with James English, has appeared in court facing serious domestic abuse allegations. The 42-year-old former reality TV star is accused of carrying out a sustained campaign of abuse against his ex-partner over a 16-month period. English, who hasContinue Reading
A body has sadly been found in the search for missing man Craig Sutton. The 26-year-old was reported missing from the Gateshead area on Sunday, March 2. Since then, extensive enquiries have been carried out by officers to locate Craig. Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit discovered a body in theContinue Reading
The medals awarded to the eldest of four North East brothers who all fought with valour in the First World War are now back in his home county. The Trustees of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) bought Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford’s medals at auction, including a Distinguished Service Order. Today,Continue Reading
Officers are appealing to the public for help to locate a missing teenager from Houghton-le-Spring. Layla Anderson, 15, was last seen at about 11.15pm on Tuesday (March 11) in the area of Scott Street. Officers and her family are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare. Anyone with information on Layla’sContinue Reading
Over 100 women from across the North East’s business community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Women in Business event, highlighting the achievements of women and the steps needed to drive gender equality forward. The event featured inspiring talks from leadingContinue Reading
State-of-the-art upgrades have been unveiled at one of Middlesbrough’s hugely popular community hubs as part of a major investment programme. The high-tech improvements at Thorntree Community Hub & Library mark the final phase of a three-year project made possible through the Libraries Improvement Fund. The Hub’s IT area has been completelyContinue Reading
Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward as they investigate a report of attempted robbery in North Tyneside. At 5.40am yesterday, (Monday) police received a report that a man was walking on a path that runs alongside the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, leading from Station Road into Percy Main,Continue Reading
Motorists are being warned of a brief period of disruption while essential works are carried out to a central Middlesbrough building. Temporary lane closures will be in place next week around the junction of Borough Road and Linthorpe Road while a survey and structural works are undertaken at The Crown.Continue Reading
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has welcomed the launch of a national pilot placing domestic abuse specialists in the 999 control rooms of five police forces. ‘Raneem’s Law’ follows the murders of Raneem Oudeh, 22, and her mother Khaola Saleem, and sees specialists joining the control rooms of theContinue Reading
Detectives are investigating after a vehicle crashed into a house in Middlesbrough, causing significant damage. The incident occurred around 7:20 pm on Sunday evening on Albourne Green, Easterside, near Broadwell Road. Police were called to reports that a vehicle had reversed into the entrance of a terraced house. Photographs fromContinue Reading
Officers are appealing for footage and witnesses as they investigate a report of robbery in South Tyneside – for which a man has already been charged. At about 10.40pm on Friday, March 7, it was reported that a man had robbed a woman on Beach Road in South Shields, directlyContinue Reading
Officers have released images of people they would like to trace in connection with a report of theft in South Shields. At around 4.30am on January 1, police received a report of people attempting to gain access to vehicles parked outside of addresses in the Chichester and Westoe areas. ItContinue Reading
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen today reiterated her calls for urgent national intervention to tackle a broken justice system that is causing serious and profound additional trauma to victims of crime. The County Durham and Darlington PCC has responded to a new report from Baroness Newlove, Victims’ Commissioner forContinue Reading
In just a few short weeks since it was launched, Hartlepool’s new Stop Smoking Service is already supporting 45 local smokers to quit the habit. Commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council, the service is delivered by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and Hartlepool & Stockton Health. It complements existingContinue Reading
MIDDLESBROUGH – A brand-new destination for high-quality nail services has arrived at The Parkway Centre, promising excellence in customer care and artistry. Newham Nail Bar, which officially opened its doors on July 22, 2024, has quickly made an impression with its commitment to premium service and skilled craftsmanship. At theContinue Reading
Businesses have been warned they face tough action after a string of Middlesbrough stores illegally sold corrosive substances to a teenager. Retailers are being told to clean up their act after all those visited during a Trading Standards operation failed to carry out the required checks. One premises even askedContinue Reading
More than 30 community projects are to benefit from a new £1 million Opportunity Fund set up by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness The first round of grants from the new Mayor’s Opportunity Fund has seen £264,210 awarded to 33 small charities and community groups. Funding has been targeted at organisationsContinue Reading
A North East council has selected nationwide placemaker, Muse, as its joint venture partner to deliver the first phase of a new innovation district. The first phase comprises the Durham County Council-owned Aykley Heads site, which is currently home to the authority’s County Hall headquarters. The 15-hectare site already hasContinue Reading
Officers investigating an assault in Newcastle city centre have released images of two men they would like to speak to. Shortly after 1.05am on Sunday, December 15, 2024, it was reported a man had been assaulted inside the Mayfair on Newgate Street. It was understood two men had approached the victim and,Continue Reading
A teenager has been jailed for six years – after a one-punch attack tragically killed a much-loved family man and serving soldier in Blyth last year. Shortly after 3.15am on Sunday, October 6, 2024, police were alerted to a disturbance on Stanley Street, just outside of Déjà Vu nightclub. EmergencyContinue Reading
