Report highlights police failings in recapturing killer
A report says that police had "too low a level of urgency" in recapturing a convicted killer who escaped from a Newcastle hospital
Help and support to end abusive relationships
Police launch Christmas campaign against abuse in the home
Arrests at planned Sunderland protest
Arrests have been made at a protest in Sunderland where 200 people turned out to campaign both for and against a mosque being built.
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Police reconstruction in pictures
Northumbria Police are staging a reconstruction of the moments leading to the murder of a Gateshead man.
John Roberts, 32, was found dead in his home on Park Terrace, in Winlaton on 16th December 2012.
Here are some images of the police reconstruction:
Police stage reconstruction of Gateshead murder
Police investigating the murder of a well-known Newcastle United supporter are staging a reconstruction of the final moments before his death.
John Roberts, known as 'John the Badge', was found dead at his home on Park Terrace in Winlaton, Gateshead on Sunday 16th December last year. He had suffered a serious head injury.
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.
Actors are retracing the last time the 32-year-old was seen in the streets near his house.
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Police officer arrested
A Northumbria Police officer was arrested in connection with an assault.
The officer, who has not been officially named, was arrested over the weekend June 1 and 2.
– Northumbria Police spokesman"An officer based in Newcastle was arrested in connection with an assault when off duty over the weekend in Newcastle.
"He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
"The officer is currently away from work while the matter is considered."
Wallet stolen from 88 year old
An 88-year-old had his wallet stolen as he tended to a grave in a cemetery in North Shields.
The incident happened in Preston Cemetery between midday and 1.30pm on Sunday, June 2.
The man left his jacket on a bench as he tended to a grave and his wallet was stolen from it while he was distracted.
Geoff Cross, neighbourhood inspector, said: "This is a particularly disgusting crime bearing in mind the victim was attending a grave when the offender has struck.
"We had a similar incident in the park when an elderly woman was targeted. We have stepped up patrols..as a precaution..."
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 extension 69191.
Northumbria Police statement
"Taser provides a proportionate response to situations and is only deployed by officers who have been selected and carefully trained in its use. "It is a highly effective tactical option available and an important tool in maximising safety to the general public and is only deployed in circumstances where serious injury could occur.
"Northumbria selects officers from 24/7 response teams to become trained in the use of Taser as it is these officers who are more likely to be first at the scene of a violent situation.
– Northumbria Police spokesman"The circumstance of the incident they are responding to; whether an offender posses a risk to another member of the public or an officer and the dangers and possible risks to the offender, whatever their age, are very carefully assessed before a decision is made to use Taser.
"Every usage is thoroughly reviewed by a senior officer. "Taser has been used on five occasions on people under the age of 19 and has not been used since 2010 on this age group."
14 year old 'shot by Taser'
A 14-year-old has reportedly been shot by police with a Taser electric stun gun, an investigation has found.
The child from Northumbria was among 20 children allegedly hit with the weapons in the last three years. The teenager had attacked another teen with a truncheon-like weapon.
A 14-year-old from York is also said to have been drive-stunned by police for resisting arrest.
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Police appeal after post office robbery
Police investigating a robbery in South Tyneside believe the suspect made off in a vehicle driven by a second man.
Officers received a report at around 11.30am that a man armed with what is believed to be a firearm went into Whitburn Post Office at North Guards in Whitburn.
It's not known whether it was real or imitation at this stage.
He made off with a mobile phone, leaving staff unhurt but shaken.
It's believed the suspect got into a small black car outside the Post Office, driven by a second man, which drove off along North Guards towards Cleadon Lane.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Police office robbery in South Tyneside
Police are appealing for witnesses after a robbery at Whitburn Post Office in South Tyneside.
Officers were called at around 11.30am to reports that a man was armed with what is believed to be a firearm at the shop at North Guards.
It's not known whether it was real or imitation at this stage.
There were no injuries but staff were left shaken by the incident.
Ch Insp Michael Barton, South Tyneside Area Command, said: "This was obviously distressing for those in the shop but I'd like to reassure people that an active investigation is ongoing to trace the man involved."
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Report highlights police failings in recapturing killer
A report says that police had "too low a level of urgency" in recapturing a convicted killer who escaped from a Newcastle hospital
Read the full storyPolice search for missing Newcastle man
Police are appealing for help to trace a missing man from Newcastle.
Jason Fyles, from Gosforth, was last seen at an address on Helmsley Road in Sandyford at around 2:45am on Thursday 16 May.
The 19-year-old is described as being 5ft 9" tall, of very slim build with short ginger hair. He was wearing a blue t-shirt, beige chino trousers and ankle length brown leather shoes when he went missing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101.
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