18 ARRESTS AFTER CITY SHOOTING
l Police swoop in dawn raids
Police have arrested 18 people in a series of early morning raids over shootings, arson attacks and the supply of drugs.
The operation, which took place yesterday, targeted organised criminal groups suspected to be involved in a series of incidents including the shooting of a window at Craighshaw Square in Hylton Castle in September last year.
No-one was injured in the shooting, in Clovelly Road in the early hours of Monday, September 12, however, windows of the house were smashed in the incident.
One senior office speaking at the time described the incident as “a dispute between people who know each other”.
The cul-de-sac remained cordoned off afternoon while forensics officers worked at the scene.
Residents living nearby spoke of their shock at the shooting, which happened about 150 yards from Hylton Castle Primary School.
A 65-year-old woman said: “You don’t expect guns to be going off where you live.
“It’s quite shocking bein cause the area has been getting better.”
Police have so far arrested 21 people in connection with that incident.
Yesterday morning police carried out warrants at 12 addresses across the city, that has seen 18 people arrested.
Those arrested – 17 men and one woman – are in police custody.
Chief Superintendent Ged Noble, Southern Area Commander,said:“Whenever firearms are used illegally our force area Northumbria Police will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible, and those believed to have assisted them in any way.
“We will make sure that all activities of these organised criminal groups are disrupted, they are prosecuted for their criminality and that their networks are dismantled.
“These crimes have understandably caused significant concern to local residents, which is why we have gone to such lengths in mounting this large scale operation to target those responsible.
“I apologise if our activities this morning have caused disruption to those going about their daily business, but I hope local residents appreciate the reasons for this and I thank our communities for their continued support.”
Anyone with information about the activity of the organised crime groups involved should call 101 quoting log 64 14/06/17 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.