Matthew Putson also kicked a police officer during the rioting in Middlesbrough, a court hears.

The teenage defendant denies murdering Holly Newton, saying he "went blank" during the attack.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

After the heroics of Ben McKinney's debut century earlier in the day, things have slowed to a pedestrian pace in Chester-le-Street this afternoon

McKinney faced 129 balls, crashing 17 fours and a six on his way to 121. He was eventually caught at mid-wicket by Haseeb Hameed, following a top edge off Notts' debutant spinner Freddie McCann.

It ended an opening stand of 189 with Alex Lees, who in contrast has been extremely measured in his innings. At tea he has 86 from 191 balls - his last boundary was about 24 overs ago, but he is doing an important job for Durham.

Since McKinney's wicket, Scott Borthwick has departed for 26 and Ollie Robinson for 13.

A man has been arrested after a woman's body was found at a property in Gateshead.

Restrictions are made permanent outside four primaries but will not be extended elsewhere.

Banks Mining wants to plant 36,000 trees on the site of the former coal mine near Consett.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

19-year-old Ben McKinney has reached his first century in County Chanmpionship cricket in just his second appearance in the competition.

He made 35 on his debut at Sussex last year. It was the beginning of the season. But he's had to wait until now to play in it again.

He has hit some gorgeous shots today. He's timed the ball so well and brought up the hundred with a trademark cover drive for four.

Having made his Lions debut last week, the former England Under-19 captain looks set for big things. At the other end Alex Lees has 63.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

What a lovely innings from Ben McKinney. He's reached his first Campionship 50, in his fifth first-class match.

He's hit eight sumptuously-timed fours, most of them beautiful cover drives.

It's been quite a week for the 19-year-old. He played in an England Lions win against Sri Lanka last week, having scored his first century in one-day cricket, just a few days before that.

Alex Lees is 33 not out at the other end.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Radio Newcastle

We have started on time in CLS. It's sunny and windy and any showers which may pass by won't be here for long. It's also a nice 19C.

Durham have given Championship debuts to Neil Wagner, Ashton Turner and Daniel Hogg.

Wagner has appeared for four other counties, but Turner has only played white-ball cricket for Durham. The Australian spinner is back in the country ahead of the T20 quarter-final at Surrey in two weeks.

Hogg is a tall bowler, who has come through the Durham age groups and recently played a couple of one day games.

Notts have alos given a debut to off-spinner Freddie McCann, who has featured in the One-Day Cup this year as well.

People in Sunderland are asked to have their say on plans to display the art in the St Peter’s area.

All 18 counties are in action as the County Championship returns after a seven-week break for this season's final push.

Declan Dixon, from the Wigan area, has lost his job as an apprentice electrician.

Adam Rankin, Paul Brown and Irfan Yousaf are sentenced for targeting four people in the Durham area.

A psychiatrist gives evidence on the defendent's mental state.

Staff say a "midnight marine marauder" dumped a "bucket full" of shore crabs in their recycling bin.

High levels of waste and fly-tipping are causing a problem with rats, residents claim.

Experienced striker Gary Madine signs for National League club Hartlepool United.

Dozens of people are objecting to plans to demolish the B&M in Southwick for a new care facility.

A psychologist tells court the defendant showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The scheme will breathe "new life" into the Grade II listed building, the local council says.