Local Democracy Reporting Service
Herbert Soden

Gateshead’s director of public health has urged everyone to get Covid tests, warning the virus is “still a threat”.

It comes after the first cases of the Indian variant of Covid-19 have been found in the North East, although numbers here remain the lowest of anywhere in England.

It has so far been detected 19 times across the region – and the number covers all of Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton, Hartlepool, and Darlington.

Alice Wiseman, Gateshead Council’s director of public health (pictured below), said the latest variant shows the virus is still a problem.

She said: “Thankfully the number of cases across our region remains low, which makes it easier to trace those who have been in close contact with individuals who have tested positive, and take steps to prevent further spread.

“Although the numbers are small, this is a timely reminder that the virus is still a threat.”

With people now able to socialise indoors, Ms Wiseman said that the public should take lateral flow tests twice a week.

She said: “We must continue to protect each other. I’d encourage everyone to use lateral flow testing kits twice a week, but you should also arrange a PCR test straight away if you develop symptoms – even if the symptoms are mild or if your lateral flow test result is negative."

Free testing kits can be collected locally - check your nearest place online by using NHS England’s site finder., external

Pubs, restaurants and entertainment and sporting venues welcome people back as restrictions ease.

A £1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the return of a bronze crucifix stolen from a Newcastle church.

The cross, estimated to be worth £20,000, was taken from All Saints Church in Gosforth on Wednesday night.

It had stood in the garden of remembrance where ashes were scattered since 1965.

The reward is being offered by the Crimestoppers charity.

Neighbourhood Insp Harninder Bola, of Northumbria Police, described the sculpture as a "highly sentimental piece" and called for its return.

“We have been carrying out extensive enquiries since last week, but unfortunately the crucifix has not been located. Everyone associated with the parish is absolutely devastated.

“Anyone who has information about its possible whereabouts is asked to contact police and we are now in a position to offer a reward.

“Please do the right thing and contact us at the earliest opportunity so we can ensure the church and its community can bring it back to their remembrance garden.”

Image source, Northumbria Police

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

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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."