Reports of gun shots in Newcastle

An investigation has been launched after two reports of gun shots in Newcastle last night.

The first report in to police was just after 9pm last night when a gun shot was heard on Deepdale Crescent in Cowgate.

Officers attended and found that a window had been damaged at an address on the street. Nobody was injured.

Then at 11.10pm a second report was made to police of two loud bangs just after 11pm in Oakfield Gardens in Benwell.

Officers attended and found windows at a property on the street had also been damaged. Again, nobody was injured.

Enquiries into both incidents are ongoing and officers are keeping an open mind as to whether they may be linked.

It is believed that the offenders used vehicles in both incidents.

Superintendent Nicola Musgrove, of Northumbria Police, said incidents of this nature were not common in the city and a full investigation was underway.

She said: "We have now had four incidents in the New Year of firearms being discharged which is very unusual for our region.

"The Northumbria force area is not a place that has a problem with gun crime and it remains one of the safest places to live in the country.

"One person has already been charged in relation to an incident in Brunswick on New Year's Day and a full investigation is underway for the other incidents.

"Nobody has been injured in any of these incidents and the firearms have been used to damage property but it is still very concerning that firearms are being used in this way.

"The incidents last night are similar in nature and have taken place in a close proximity in a relatively short time period so we are keeping an open mind as to whether the same people could be involved.

"There will be an increased police presence in Benwell and Cowgate this morning to carry our house-to-house enquiries so if anyone has concerns we would encourage you to speak to our officers.

"If anyone saw what happened, or saw any suspicious vehicles driving in the areas of each incident last night, then we would urge you to get in touch."

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information about the incidents last night, should contact police on 101 quoting log 983 09/01/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.