Two more men arrested following a spate of violence in Sunderland

Two further men were arrested in night-time raids as police continue to crack down on a spate of violent incidents in Sunderland.

This week officers have responded to a number of reports of disorder in the north of the city involving groups of males that have been seen carrying weapons.

All those involved are thought to be known to each other and the incidents are believed to be retaliatory attacks between rival groups.

On Monday, six men were arrested in connection with the disorder and yesterday (Wednesday) two more suspects were brought into custody.

At about 1am today, armed officers executed warrants at two further addresses in the city – with two further males receiving a surprise wake-up call.

They were both arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and remain in police custody.

Superintendent Paul Milner, of Northumbria Police, said:

“The violent offences committed this week by these two rival groups are absolutely appalling and we are committed to ensuring anyone involved is brought before the courts.

“Overnight, we planned and executed strikes at two further addresses believed to be associated with criminality and these two arrests now take the tally up to 10 in total.

“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, we will use every tactic at our disposal to detect and disrupt serious and violent crime – and further activity can be expected over the coming days.

“Anybody found to be involved can expect a knock on their door and I hope this positive action offers reassurance to all those in our communities.

“I would like to reiterate that all those involved are believed to be known to each other and there is no wider threat to the public. Officers remain in the area to carry out enquiries – and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to us.”

Officers were called to the Marley Crescent area of the city at 12.15am on Monday (July 12) after a report that a man had been assaulted.

A 31-year-old man was found with non-life threatening injuries consistent with a stabbing and was taken to hospital.

On the same day, at 5pm, officers were alerted to a group of males believed to be in possession of weapons who were reported to be acting suspiciously in the Emsworth Road area.

Officers carried out a search of an address where they located a number of machetes.

As part of those discoveries, police searched a string of addresses across the city and located further weapons that have been seized.

Then at 12.15pm yesterday (Wednesday), officers were called to an address on Rochdale Way following a report that a group of males had assaulted another man.

The man was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his arm and head consistent with having been caused by a bladed article.

Officers are treating all the incidents as linked and an investigation is ongoing.

Six men arrested have been released under investigation. Four males remain in police custody and will be interviewed throughout the course of the day.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20210712-0847.