Policing News

Four arrests after Tyneside street death

Four people have been arrested after a man found with head injuries on a Tyneside street died. The man, believed to be in his 40s, was found in Rudyard Street, North Shields, at about 0200 BST on Tuesday. He was taken to hospital where he was treated for head injuries, but later died. Four people are being questioned by police in connection with his death. Officers have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Teenagers hunted after Sheerness bank robbery.

CCTV images have been released of the teenage suspects Two teenagers are suspected of being responsible for a bank robbery in Kent in which thousands of pounds were stolen from a security guard. Police said one of the robbers, both described as aged 15 or 16, grabbed a bag of cash as it was being given to a cashier at Lloyds TSB in Sheerness. The pair fled from the scene after the robbery at 1300 BST on Friday. CCTV images of the robbers have been released and officers have appealed to anyone who might know the boys to help. Both are described as white. The robber who grabbed the cash was about 5ft 8in tall, of medium build and wearing a grey hooded top and white trainers. His accomplice is said to be slim and was wearing blue jeans and a dark bobble hat.

Man arrested following Hove flat fire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a flat in Hove. Sussex Police said officers were called to a property at Osborne Villas, Hove, after the occupier reported a break in at about 2030 BST on Tuesday. As the occupier waited outside, smoke was seen coming from the flat and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to deal with the blaze. Officers said a 53-year-old Eastbourne man was arrested in Hove later.

Inquiry following Southampton pub 'arson attack'

Almost 50 firefighters were involved in extinguishing the overnight blaze A suspected arson attack which destroyed the roof of a derelict pub in Southampton is being investigated. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the Red Lion in Commercial Road, Totton, at 2340 BST on Sunday. Almost 50 firefighters tackled the overnight blaze, which also severely damaged the first floor. Fire investigators and police have now begun an investigation. A fire service spokesman said: "This could have been a much more serious incident."

Police probe attempted abduction of woman in Lancaster

Police are investigating the attempted abduction of a 20-year-old woman in Lancashire. The woman had left the Elements nightclub on North Street, Lancaster, at 0330 BST on Monday when a white car pulled up alongside her. A male passenger got out and dragged her from behind, pulling her into the car. The woman struggled and fled when the car reached Dalton Square. Police have appealed to any witnesses to contact them. There were three men in the car, all described as being white and in their early to mid twenties. One had short dark hair and was wearing a dark top. The second had short dark brown hair and was wearing a bright blue top. The third had a slightly larger build with short brown hair and was wearing navy track suit bottoms.

Two men remanded over Birtley attempted murder

Two men charged with the attempted murder of a man who was stabbed confronting thieves breaking into his van have appeared in court. David Mullen, 43, suffered multiple wounds in the attack in the early hours of Saturday in Selkirk Crescent, Birtley. He is critical but stable. Mark Fullerton, 21, and William Airey, 23, appeared before South Tyneside magistrates accused of the attack. They were remanded in custody until 13 September. A third man arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed. Northumbria Police said the stabbing happened as Mr Mullen tried to stop three people trying to break into his Ford Escort van

Anthrax found in man's body after heroin-related death

Anthrax has been found in the body of a 29-year-old Leicestershire drug user who died after taking heroin. Police and the Health Protection Agency are investigating the death of Tom Forbes, of Loughborough, who died on 26 August. This is the fourth time anthrax has been detected in a drug user in England since February 2010. Health officials have urged all heroin users to stop taking the drug and to seek treatment immediately.

Man held over Kent gallery steam train paintings theft

Both of the stolen paintings showed steam trains travelling through Kent A man has been arrested in connection with the theft of two paintings from an art gallery in Kent. The pictures of steam trains by Alison Griffins, which are valued at £950 and £900, were stolen from the Francis Iles art gallery in Rochester on 17 August. Kent Police said a 60-year-old man from Gillingham was arrested on Friday and questioned about the theft. He was released on police bail until 22 September while investigations continue.

Poaching suspects arrested at Wiltshire farm

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of poaching in Wiltshire. Officers were called to a farm in Amesbury on Sunday morning, after a number of men were seen trespassing with dogs. The three suspects, aged 19, 25 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of hare-coursing and charged with daytime trespass in pursuit of game. They were released on police bail and are due to appear at Salisbury Law Courts in September.

Pedestrian hit by car in Coventry later dies

A pedestrian hit by a car in Coventry has died. Emergency services were called to the junction of Brookside Avenue and Overdale Road during the early hours of Sunday. Police said a 52-year-old man had been in collision with a red Volkswagen Polo. He was taken to hospital but died on Tuesday morning. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information should contact West Midlands Police.