Arrests over solar panels theft

TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of stealing solar panels from Gateshead International Stadium.

Shortly after 8.30pm on Wednesday, officers from Northumbria Police received a tip-off that two men were acting suspiciously near to Neilson Road. It was reported that they appeared to be trying to steal new solar panels.

Officers from the force’s Operations Department were deployed to the scene with detailed descriptions of the suspects from witnesses.

Within minutes, they located a van believed to have been used by the thieves nearby – and arrested two suspects on suspicion of theft. Inside the vehicle, officers also located the stolen panels which will be subsequently returned to their owners. The men – aged 48 and 42 – remained in police custody yesterday.