BreakingTwo missing teenagers found safe in Middlesbrough
Two missing teenagers from Stockton have been found, police say.
The pair were found "safe" in Middlesbrough.
Cleveland Police thanked people for sharing the appeal.
Police search under way for missing teens
A police search is under way for two missing teenage girls from Stockton.
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.
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.
BBCCopyright: BBC
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.”
BBCCopyright: BBC
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.
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.”
Northumbria PoliceCopyright: Northumbria Police
Redcar racecourse welcomes back punters
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.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A19 closed between A689 and A179 junctions
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.
Cleveland policeCopyright: Cleveland police
Cleveland policeCopyright: 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!"
Three charged after brawl spills into school grounds
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.
Terry BlackburnCopyright: Terry Blackburn
A further three men, who were also arrested on Friday, were later released without charge.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
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Read moreBreakingTwo missing teenagers found safe in Middlesbrough
Two missing teenagers from Stockton have been found, police say.
The pair were found "safe" in Middlesbrough.
Cleveland Police thanked people for sharing the appeal.
Police search under way for missing teens
A police search is under way for two missing teenage girls from Stockton.
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.
Earlier Cleveland police tweeted for the girls to contact them on 101 "just to let us know you're safe and well. Everyone's worried about you."
Public urged to do two tests a week as virus 'still a threat'
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.
Venues thrilled as indoor socialising returns
Pubs, restaurants and entertainment and sporting venues welcome people back as restrictions ease.
Read moreReward offered in hunt for £20k bronze crucifix
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.”
Redcar racecourse welcomes back punters
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.
A19 closed between A689 and A179 junctions
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.
Missing girls urged to get in touch
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.
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!"
Suspects in school grounds armed brawl charged
Cleveland Police is linking the fight with weapons to an aggravated burglary earlier in the day.
Read moreThree charged after brawl spills into school grounds
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.
A further three men, who were also arrested on Friday, were later released without charge.
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Bringing you the latest news from across the North East from Monday 17 May to Friday 21 May 2021
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