Eight arrests now made over alleged attack against couple in Newcastle

Seven more arrests have been made in connection with the attempted murder of a Newcastle couple in their 60s, Northumbria Police said.

A total of eight men have now been arrested following an assault on a man and a woman inside a property in the Elswick area of Newcastle on Friday evening.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Durham Street at around 6.45pm on Friday, where they found a man and a woman with serious injuries.

Police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of attempted murder and the arrests of seven others were announced on Sunday.

All remain in police custody.

Five men, two in their 20s, two in their 30s, and one in his 40s, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and two men, one in his 40s and one in his 60s, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The woman sustained serious head injuries and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The man also remains in hospital and is in a stable condition.

Detectives have urged anyone with information to come forward and issued an appeal for people who saw a vehicle which was allegedly stolen.

A red Renault Twingo car is believed to have been parked in the West End of Newcastlebetween 6.30pm and 8pm on Friday and was found in the Longbenton area on Saturday morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atherton, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "Eight suspects are now in custody being questioned, and I would like to reassure our communities extensive inquiries into this serious incident have already been carried out.

"We would like to thank everyone who has already come forward and as part of our investigation we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the Renault Twingo.

"Any information - no matter how insignificant it may seem - could prove vital to establishing exactly what happened that evening."

A police cordon remains in place at the scene and Mr Atherton said is likely to remain "for some time".

He added: "I would also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation and to avoid any speculation - both online and in the community.

"We have zero tolerance for violence, and we will do all we can to get answers for the loved ones of both victims."

Police are appealing anyone with information to contact them online, or on 101 quoting reference number NP-20251121-0919.

To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.