Metro passengers across the North East are set to benefit from more frequent services from December as part of a major programme to improve the region’s public transport network. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has confirmed that Metro services will run every 10 minutes on each line throughout weekday daytime hours from December 2026, increasing capacity and reducing waiting times for passengers. The new timetable, which will be introduced by Metro operator Nexus, will see si

The family of a teenager who died after being struck by a vehicle in Gateshead have paid tribute to their “beautiful baby”, saying they are “broken into a million pieces” following her death. Emergency services were called to Lobley Hill Road, near the junction with Schoolhouse Lane, at around 10.40pm on Friday, June 12, following reports of a collision. Northumbria Police said a 16-year-old girl, who can now be named as Jessica Metters, from Consett in County Durham, had bee

A major emergency services response was launched on Shields Road in Byker on Tuesday evening after reports of a serious incident involving a person being injured. A large police and emergency presence descended on the busy Newcastle street just before 7.30pm, with officers quickly putting a cordon in place. Several police vehicles remained behind the barrier overnight, and traffic monitoring cameras confirmed a continued police presence at the scene into the evening. Northumb

Police are appealing for help to find a missing man from Gateshead. Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for 50-year-old Jonathan, who was last seen at a family address in Gateshead on June 2. He is originally from the Consett area and also has links to Bishop Auckland. Jonathan is around five feet ten inches tall, of slim build, with dark brown shaved hair and a stubbly beard. He was last seen wearing a flat cap, a black tracksuit top with white stripes down the slee

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault in Newcastle city centre left a man in a life-threatening condition. Officers say the incident happened around 5.10pm yesterday on Claremont Road, where a man in his 50s was riding a bicycle when he was approached by two people on a moped. One of them allegedly pushed him off his bike, causing him to fall and suffer serious head injuries. He was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition. Two boys, aged 16

A 19-year-old police officer has died after being struck by a car while responding to a separate road traffic collision in Northumberland. PC Jess Turnbull, who joined Northumbria Police in September, died in hospital on Wednesday surrounded by her family, according to Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine. Police say she had been attending a crash involving two vehicles on the A189 near Cramlington at around 11.10 on Monday night, when she was hit by a black Mercedes CLC while out

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced plans to close around 150 charity shops across the UK over the next two years, citing an “exceptionally challenging trading environment”. The charity said a review of its retail operations found that increasing costs and changing shopping habits had left some stores no longer financially viable. Despite the planned closures, the BHF stressed its overall financial position remains strong, supported by continued success in fundra

Police investigating an assault in Newcastle city centre have released an image of a woman they would like to identify. The incident was reported to have taken place between 1.45am and 2am on Saturday, April 4, at a premises on Carliol Square. Officers say two women who were not known to each other became involved in a verbal disagreement in the venue’s female toilet area. It is understood that one of the women then assaulted the other before leaving the premises on foot. The

Police are appealing for information after a man suffered serious facial injuries during an alleged assault at a Newcastle city centre bar. Officers received a report of a disturbance inside Filthy’s Newcastle on the Bigg Market at around 1am on Thursday, May 14. It was reported that the victim, a man in his 30s, had been approached by another man who was unknown to him before being punched in the face several times. The suspect was reportedly ejected from the venue before le

Police investigating an assault in Newcastle have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to. The incident was reported shortly after 9.15pm on Tuesday, April 7, in the Newburn area. According to police, a man in his 30s was followed by a group of individuals into a premises on Station Road, where he was assaulted. The suspects then left the scene on foot, leaving the injured man inside the building. Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hos

Police have issued an appeal to identify a group of people who may be able to assist with an investigation into a serious assault and hate crime in Newcastle city centre. The incident happened at around 3am on Tuesday, April 14, outside a premises on Times Square. According to police, a man was approached and assaulted by another man who was not known to him. Two women who were with the victim challenged the offender, who then allegedly directed homophobic comments towards th

Police investigating a burglary in Newcastle are appealing for help to identify a man they believe could assist with their enquiries. Officers say offenders broke into a property on Druridge Drive in Blakelaw at around three o'clock in the morning on Thursday, April 23rd. A quantity of cash and bank cards were stolen before the suspects made off in the occupant's car. Some of the stolen cards were later used fraudulently at shops in the Denton area of the city. Police have re

Developers have revealed the first images of plans to transform Gateshead Old Town Hall and surrounding land into a new neighbourhood with around 250 homes. The Grade II-listed Victorian building has stood largely unused since 1987. After purchasing the site in 2024, regeneration company Capital & Centric began developing proposals to restore the landmark and help drive wider regeneration in Gateshead town centre. Plans include new homes, independent cafés, bars and restauran

Gateshead has parted company with manager Rob Elliot who oversaw their incredible escape from relegation after returning to the club midway through the season. He said the club were unable to commit to the infrastructure which would enable further progression. He went on to say “It’s hard to say goodbye when we achieved something so special last year”. Mr Elliot has now been appointed as head coach at Carlisle Utd as replacement for Mark Hughes.

(image: @gimbaljaunts) The Ouseburn Festival is returning next month and this year's event promises to be a weekend of creativity, music and great food on the 4th and 5th of July. The Ouseburn Trust, who put on the event, will be publishing a full programme of events on their website on the 4th June, but we already know that great local comedians will be showcased as part of 'Felt Nowt' which will be taking over Victoria Tunnel on the Saturday. Newcastle Circus Arts will al

Monday 1st June has been confirmed as the launch date for a brand-new radio station broadcasting across Newcastle and Gateshead on DAB — Canny Radio. On air 24 hours a day, Canny Radio promises a soundtrack of “belta” music while celebrating life on Tyneside. Designed to move away from the traditional radio format, the station aims to better reflect how people listen to and use radio today. Listeners can expect a constant stream of much-loved music alongside local news, event