Large policing presence in Stockton

There is currently a large policing presence in the Myrtle Road, Hawthorne Road and Faraday Drive areas of Stockton as officers respond to numerous incidents that occurred on Thursday 2 May.

At 11.20pm police received reports of a firearms discharge at a property on Hawthorne Road. A 17-year-old has boy has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and arson with intent to endanger life and is currently in police custody.

Shortly before 11.20pm a car and a house were set alight on Faraday Drive. The fire is being treated as deliberate.

Three vehicles have been set alight on Myrtle Road at around 11.30pm and are being investigated as arson.

There are believed to be no reported injuries connected to these incidents.

Enquiries in relation to the incidents are now underway and at this stage are currently believed to be linked and targeted.

Detective Superintendent Helen Barker said: “I understand the concern that these incidents are likely to cause, and I would like to assure residents that we have a large policing presence in the area to provide reassurance and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.

“While we are in the early stages of establishing the circumstances surrounding these incidents and who is involved in them, I do believe that they targeted and linked to each other.

“We are really keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or have information that could greatly assist with the investigation. The same goes for anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage.”

If you have information, please contact Cleveland Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.