Motorists are being warned the A19 is closed in both directions between the Wolviston interchange and the Sheraton junction because of a three-vehicle collision and fuel spillage.

Police warn it may take a few hours before the road is reopened.

Police have appealed for two teenage girls who have been missing since Saturday to come forward.

Ruby Cuskern, 14, and Megan Hardwick, 15, were last seen on a field in the Eastbourne area of Stockton, at about 18:15 on Saturday, but didn't go home and haven't made contact with their families.

Police say the girls may have travelled to Middlesbrough or be in the Norton or Billingham area.

Image source, Cleveland police

Image source, Cleveland police

Police released a picture (below) of what the girls were wearing when they were last seen.

In a tweet, they asked the teenagers to "ring Cleveland Police on 101 just to let us know you're safe and well. Everyone's worried about you.

"You're not in any trouble, we just need to know you're OK!"

Image source, Cleveland police

Cleveland Police is linking the fight with weapons to an aggravated burglary earlier in the day.

Three men have been charged in connection with an incident which led to a brawl spilling over into the grounds of a school.

Berwick Hills Primary School in Middlesbrough was put into lockdown on Friday morning, after reports of an armed fight.

Cleveland Police said it was believed it was linked to an earlier alleged aggravated burglary.

Three men, including a 28-year-old have been charged with aggravated burglary, with the 27-year-old and 18-year-old also charged with offences including theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article.

All will appear at Teesside Magistrates Court later.

Image source, Terry Blackburn

A further three men, who were also arrested on Friday, were later released without charge.

Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 17 May to Friday 21 May 2021

Newcastle Eagles win the BBL play-offs title for the seventh time with a win against London Lions.

London Lions win their second WBBL trophy of the season as they beat giantkillers Newcastle Eagles in the play-off final.

Chris Rushworth becomes Durham's all-time leading first-class wicket-taker as Worcestershire are beaten by 258 runs.

Staff were left "extremely shaken" and told police the syringe contained blood or acid.

Newcastle Falcons host Northampton Saints and Bristol Bears entertain Gloucester Rugby in the Premiership - listen to BBC radio commentary.

Jack Burnham and Will Young hit tons and Ned Eckersley smashes 86 as Durham set Worcestershire a daunting 423 to win.

Hartlepool United keep up their promotion push with a 3-1 win at Aldershot to move third in the National League.

Manchester City twice come from behind to win a Premier League classic against Newcastle in their first game since being confirmed as champions.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce says his team played well in attack but were let down by poor defending, after losing 4-3 at home to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he could use Ferran Torres as a striker in the future, after the winger scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 win at Newcastle.

Chris Rushworth takes 5-56 to help earn Durham a first-innings lead against Worcestershire at Chester-le-Street.

Gateshead's public health director says people should be extra vigilant in the face of new variants of Covid-19.

In recent days, cases of the so-called Indian variant have been discovered in Newcastle and North Tyneside.

A total of 19 cases have been detected across north-east England, three were said to be travel-related but no further information has been provided on where the cases are.

Alice Wiseman (pictured) says the problem is being closely monitored and the public need to be cautious in the days ahead.

"We're working together across local authorities to make sure we have that broader understanding of where those cases are because we know that our communities live, work and go to school in many different areas, so it's important we work collectively on that," she said.

"Whilst the numbers aren't high at the moment we have seen other parts of the country where cases have risen rapidly so we are watching them."

The finishing touches are being carried out at museums across the North East as they prepare for re-opening next week.

The venues, which would normally attract hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, have been closed for months due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Discovery Museum in Newcastle has been carrying out final checks before it welcomes people back on Monday.

Facilities manager Nick Butterley said: "We can't wait, there's something very sad about seeing the place empty.

"We know how much people enjoy it and how much families enjoy the museum and it won't be quite the same as there's not all the things out that people expect.

"But I think people understand that we have to keep some exhibits tucked away for now."

A tribunal hears Mike Hill told the woman he loved her, despite being married at the time.

The brawl ended up in the grounds of a Middlesbrough school, which went into lockdown.