Two charged over gunpoint robbery

Two men have appeared in court after being charged following a robbery at a business on Wearside.

Investigations led Northumbria Police to Freezemoor Road, on New Herrington Industrial Estate, at around 9am on Tuesday after reports that a business premises in Dene Road, Castletown, was robbed at gunpoint earlier in the morning.

Officers, including armed response officers, also carried out a search of a house in Flodden Road, on the Ford Estate, in connection with the incident.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Two men have now been charged following a robbery in Sunderland yesterday.

“They are Michael Carty, 45, of Railway Terrace, New Herrington, and John Henderson, 50, of Hylton Road, Sunderland.

“A third man was arrested and released without any further action.”

Carty and Henderson appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside yesterday, and were remanded in custody.

The spokesman added: “Police received a report of a robbery at a premises on Dene Road, Sunderland.

“An offender entered with a firearm and made off with a bag.

“Unarmed and armed officers carried out a search for the offenders and intelligence led them to an industrial estate in New Herrington.

“A vehicle was uplifted and two men arrested.

“Nobody was injured and no firearm was discharged.

“Officers also carried out a search of an address on Flodden Road, Sunderland, in connection with their enquiries.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact poli ce o n101 quoting reference 179 290518 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”