Two individuals died in a house fire on Cragside Avenue, North Shields, shortly after 3.30am on Wednesday. Emergency services, including Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, responded swiftly, but despite efforts, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 70s could not be saved. Police are investigating the incident.

PC Daniel Rusling has been sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, after assaulting a 13-year-old boy seeking help outside Monkton Park police station in Wiltshire. The officer admitted to assault by beating, and his actions are under review in a gross misconduct hearing.