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

As indoor drinking and socialising is allowed again, Kathleen Brain, who owns The Steamboat pub in South Shields, said she was really looking forward to seeing their "lovely" regulars again.

"It's going to be great, it's so exciting to see them again, we've missed them, we've really missed them," she said.

"The majority of my customers are over 50 and they've all had their jabs now so I'm hoping that's given them a bit of reassurance and they'll all come out.

"We've got all the correct procedures in place - they all know how seriously we take this, and I hope they'll feel really safe."

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

Horse racing fans are being welcomed back to Redcar although capacity at the course is reduced.

Entry is via pre-paid ticket only and while racing has been taking place behind closed doors, it's the first meeting with spectators since October 2019.

Amy Fair from Redcar racecourse said: "We are being very cautious and we have a reduced capacity compared to what we would have normally - it's considerably reduced."

In the past traditional big race meetings, such as Ladies Day, would see around 7,000 people at the course but the current run of meetings is a fraction of that.

"Our total capacity for the grandstand side only is just over 2,000 people, so for today's meeting we're looking around 1,000 people coming racing", Ms Fair said.

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Ray Spencer is director of the Customs House theatre in South Shields which is back open tonight.

He said: "A lot of the people haven't been performing for over a year, so there's a genuine nervousness about whether they'll still be able to sing in front of an audience, whether they'll be able to have people laugh at them at the right time."

However, he was convinced it was going to be a "such a special occasion".

"I'm sure there will be tears", he said.

"Because connecting back with the audience, for those performers, it's hard to explain if you're not a performer, how you need that connection, how you need that adrenaline rush.

"And they'll be getting that tonight."

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.