A ‘families dispute’ prompts crime spike

A "lengthy dispute between families" in the Coalfield area of Sunderland has prompted a spike in violent crime, councillors have been told.

A Sunderland City Council meeting was told that family feuding has prompted a spike in violent crime in Hetton, Houghton and Shiney Row.

According to police, stakes have increased in the "lengthy dispute” between groups in the area.

Firearms units, dogs and mounted officers have all been deployed as part of efforts to calm the situation, with bosses hopeful their actions have cooled tempers.

According to a report prepared for Sunderland City Council by Northumbria Police: “Violent crime continues to rise [in the Coalfield], with a significant number of offences due to a lengthy dispute between families which has recently escalated.

“Tensions are now easing following police intervention and a number of arrests.

“A patrol plan and area command operation remain in place, with local officers continuing to be supported by deployment of Operations resources (mounted, traffic, firearms, dogs).”

The update from officers was presented to members of the city council’s Coalfield Area Committee, covering Copt Hill, Hetton, Houghton and Shiney Row, which met on Tuesday night by videolink. According to the report, there were 681 instances of “violence against the person” in the area between April 1–September 7, of which 18 resulted in ‘serious injury’.

This also highlighted arise in domestic violence during the lockdown earlier this year, although this also fell as restrictions were eased.