Nine arrests over linked street disorder

The haul included a double-headed axe

Nine people have been arrested and a haul of weapons seized following reports of disorder which police believe to be linked.

Incidents across the Jarrow and Whiteleas areas of South Tyneside on Tuesday, included windows of several properties being put out with weapons, cars driven into a property and several men fighting in the road.

Officers carried out a series of raids and arrested five men, aged between 34 and 56 and a woman in her 30s.

Following a further report of a vehicle being damaged in East Boldon, a further three men, aged between 22 and 48, were also detained.

Northumbria Police said that during the raids, offensive weapons were also discovered including axes, loaded crossbows and machetes.

Several cars were also recovered believed to be linked to the disorder.

Police made the arrests and seizures during a series of coordinated raids

Det Ch Insp William Kemp, of the Northumbria force, said: "Whilst enquiries are at an early stage, we are treating all these incidents as linked and believe everyone involved is known to one another and there is no risk to the wider public.

"There are increased patrols in the area and anyone with concerns is asked to speak to an officer on duty."