Other News In Brief

Three Arrests After Aggravated Burglary

Police are appealing for information after an aggravated burglary in South Tyneside on Thursday night. The incident happened around 8.15pm in South Frederick Street, South Shields, Tyneside. A couple were at home when three men forced their way in with hammers, threatened them and stole a quantity of cash. The men are described as being aged in their late teens to early 20s. All were wearing black balaclavas and dark clothing. One of the men is described as having "painted eyes in the shape of a green diamond pattern". They spoke with local South Shields accents. The victims were shocked and shaken but otherwise unharmed. Three men, aged 26, 33 and 36, were arrested nearby and are currently helping with enquiries. Neighbourhood Inspector Peter Sutton said: "This was a frightening incident for the householders but people can be reassured arrests have been made quickly in this case and officers are out speaking to local people." If anyone has any information about this robbery they should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Man Carjacked At Newcastle Nature Reserve

Police are appealing for information after a carjacking incident at a Newcastle nature reserve. At 5pm on Wednesday, January 18, police received a report of a robbery at the carpark of the Havannah Nature Reserve, Hazelrigg. A man in a car was approached by two men who threatened him with a knife before making off with his car. Officers attended and found the car abandoned nearby. The first man is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build, aged around 20. He was wearing a black fleece jacket zipped up to the chin, black trousers and black gloves. He also had on a black ruck sack on and spoke with a local accent. The second offender is described as dark skinned, possibly Asian, and also aged around 20. He also had on dark clothes, dark slicked back short hair. He did not have a north east accent - it was possibly a southern accent. Anyone who was in the area and who may have seen two men on foot around the nature reserve around the time of the offence is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191.

Over 200 Arrested In Drink Drive Clampdown

Over 200 people were arrested by Kent Police as part of the force's seasonal drink-drive campaign. Between December 1 last year and 1 January 2012 a total of 222 people were arrested after failing roadside breath tests. Police officers carried out 1,126 breath tests throughout the month. Twelve people lost their licences immediately. One man, who was stopped by officers on Friday, 23 December at junction 5 on the M20 was found to be four-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit. He admitted the offence in court and lost his license. Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: 'Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is not just anti-social it is dangerous and risks lives. Those who ignored our constant messages about the dangers they pose to themselves and others by drink-driving have paid with their licence."

(DW)