The Chronicle

Police suspect a car which crashed into a Jarrow wall was stolen., external

Local Democracy Reporting Service
James Harrison

Health chiefs have denied plans for a new surgery at Wynyard are behind a consultation to close one in Trimdon Village.

Bosses from Skerne Medical Group, which runs practices in Trimdon Village, Trimdon Colliery, Fishburn and Sedgefield, are considering whether it will have to close its Trimdon Village site and one other in 2019.

But the proposals prompted awkward questions from members of Durham County Council's Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Coun Peter Brookes, councillor for the Trimdon and Thornley ward on the council, said: "There are rumours the affluent area of Wynyard may be getting a new surgery - it would be ironic if the most deprived area lost its service and one of the most affluent got a new service."

But the suggestion was strongly rejected by the group, which insisted it has no intention to move to Wynyard.

According to managers, it has lost more than a third of its GPs since October 2016, leaving it struggling to keep pace with patients' needs. On its website, it says a 'short to medium term' solution could be to halve its number of practices, but that it could also eventually be forced to operate from a single site.

Dr Jane Hearmon, from Skerne Medical Group, said: "Our engagement is not just about Trimdon Village, it's about all our practice area, it's about ensuring we can provide a service for everyone in the best way we can with the team we have available. "

Newcastle Falcons sign New Zealand-born former Ireland international prop from Pro 14 side Ulster.

Four people arrested in connection with a fatal fire at a former care home in Sunderland have been released under investigation.

Patryk Mortimer, 39, died after being found unconscious in the building where he lived - previously Manor House Care Home in Easington Lane - on 3 November.

A 21-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday, and on Friday a man, 34, and another 36-year-old woman were arrested - all on suspicion of murder.

Northumbria Police said all have now been released pending further enquiries.

A British Airways passenger collapses when a wheelchair he had booked at Heathrow fails to turn up.

Thanks to photographer David Oxtaby for sending us this spectacular shot of sunrise in Staithes this morning.

Mr Oxtaby says the North Yorkshire seaside village was "very picturesque" first thing today - and it'd be hard to disagree:

Image source, David Oxtaby

Football legend Paul Gascoigne was arrested in Durham in August and will face court next month.

Experienced Sunderland-born seamer Chris Rushworth extends his contract with County Champinship side Durham until 2020.

Two people have been arrested following a burglary at a Co-op store in Norton.

About £2,000 worth of goods including cigarettes, alcohol and a charity box containing cash were stolen in the early hours of 8 November.

Cleveland Police said a man, 44, and a 36-year-old woman, were held on Friday.

They have since been released under investigation pending further inquiries.

Image source, Google

Sunderland Echo
Newspaper

The body of a 47-year-old woman has been found in Sunderland this morning., external

Local Democracy Reporting Service
James Harrison

A series of fires near a parade of South Shields shops could have been started by homeless people trying to keep warm.

Councillors had the chance to grill police on the issue of blazes near the Nook shops, off Prince Edward Road.

But, speaking at the latest East Shields and Whitburn Community Area Forum meeting, officers have also admitted it could be anti-social behaviour.

PC Krista Campbell said: "We've had reports that the people setting these fires are homeless, but whether it's for disorder or to keep them warm, we're not sure. "

Last month, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service issued advice urging the public to bring their bins in as soon as possible after they had been emptied following a spate of arson attacks.

Fire service data presented at the meeting showed at least 11 bin or rubbish fires in the council's Harton ward in October and early November.

Ex-Barnsley and Peterborough boss Jim Iley, who played for Newcastle, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest has died, aged 82.

Helena Atay entered a not guilty plea and will go on trial at Newcastle Crown Court in April.

The Northern Echo
Newspaper

Residents say action is desperately needed to stop motorists speeding through their village, external, after a vehicle was clocked travelling at 75mph.

A pedestrian is in hospital after he was hit by a car in Middlesbrough.

The 27-year-old suffered head injuries and broken bones when he was struck by a Toyota GT-86 on Stockton Road.

Anyone who witnessed the incident outside Macmillan College at 20:10 on Friday is asked to contact Cleveland Police.

Former England, Newcastle and Middlesbrough footballer Paul Gascoigne will appear in court next month charged with sexually assaulting a woman on a train.

British Transport Police said the 51-year-old of Amy Street, Leicester, had been charged with one count of sexual assault by touching, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

They said the charge relates to an incident on board a train from York to Durham on 20 August this year.

He will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on 11 December.

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been charged with one count of sexual assault by touching after an incident on a train from York to Durham on August 20, British Transport Police said.

More to follow.

A man also suffered severe burns in the incident in Acklam Road.

John Collinson's singing voice was discovered as he lay in hospital recovering from his wounds during World War One.

A woman says she is 'lucky to be alive' after a fire broke out in the takeaway below her flat, external in a suspected arson attack.

Image source, SUNDERLAND EHCO