Tyne Tees Wearside

Sunderland City Council has apologised to thousands of drivers who have experienced long delays because of a traffic survey in the city centre.

Surveyors have spent the day stopping vehicles in order to collate information including journey times and peak hours.

Several frustrated drivers took to social media:

Police have launched a burglary crackdown on part of Wearside.

Operation Echo follows a rise in break-ins in Houghton-le-Spring in a four week period between April and early May.

27 thefts from cars were reported to police during that time along with more than a dozen house burglaries.

Extra police patrols are underway, and one senior officer has issued advice to local people.

A 'welcome home' street party has been thrown for a boy who has just returned following a life changing operation in America.

Derek Russell, 3, has cerebral palsy and needed surgery to help him walk. He has been away with his mum for five weeks and received a warm welcome from his community on Wearside.

Two firefighters have been hurt after a ceiling collapsed while tackling a blaze at a children's home on Wearside late on Tuesday night, October 14.

The pair have both treated for whiplash injuries and burns at the Sunderland Royal Hospital and fire chiefs say it could have been far worse.

Police believe the fire was started deliberately and have launched an investigation.

A housing provider on Wearside is leading a campaign to get workmen to help spot the signs of domestic violence.

Workers from Gentoo already look out for broken windows and bust locks and can inform support workers if they have concerns. But now housing companies across the country may follow their example.

Mark Robson, who works as a Joiner, has spoken of the signs they look out for:

Police investigating the murder of Sunderland grandfather Robert Hutchinson are continuing to appeal for information - two months after he was last seen.

The 57-year-old was last seen in Hendon on June 23. He left his home in Corporation Road at 6.20pm in a blue Nissan Micra. His car was left in Stewart Street June 23-24. It was found on July 13 after police were contacted by a member of the public.

The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a £3,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101.