12 Arrested In North Tyneside Raids

Twelve people have been arrested in early morning raids in North Tyneside.

Officers carried out a series of raids in Newcastle, Whitley Bay and Blyth at 8am on Tuesday morning.

Eight properties in total, including a hotel, were searched by officers including three in Wallsend and further properties in Whitley Bay, Newcastle, Dudley, Walker and Blyth.

Nine men, aged between 18 and 61, and two women, aged 36 and 39, were arrested and remain in custody while they help officers with their enquiries.

Controlled drugs, stolen property, a quantity of cash and mobile phones were among the items seized during the raids.

Chief Inspector Jamie Pitt said: "This operation is an excellent example of community driven policing.

"The residents of Whitley Bay have highlighted a number of crime and anti social behaviour issues during the past twelve months to both police and partners.

"We sat down, listened to those concerns and then drafted and delivered a joint plan. This day of action is part of an ongoing timetable of partnership activity in the area."

Whitley Bay Neighbourhood Inspector Jim Gray said: "The Whitley Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team, with the support of other police resources, are actively targetting criminals who operate in the area.

"Criminals need to know that Whitley Bay is not a place where their activities will be tolerated. This successful operation today is part of a longer term police and partner agency approach to support the greater regeneration of the area".

(MH/CD)