A COUPLE accused of murdering a two-year-old boy have left their home after villagers staged a protest.

Eggs and insults were hurled at the home of Rachael Fee, 31, and her civil partner, Nyomi Fee, 28, in Chopwell, Gateshead, on Tuesday night.

A police helicopter was scrambled along with dog handlers to get the disturbance, which went on into the evening, under control,

The pair are due to stand trial accused of killing Liam Fee earlier this year at their former home in Scotland.

The Northern Echo:
KILLED: Liam Fee

They appeared on Friday at the High Court in Glasgow where they denied murder.

Police were called to Forth Street in Chopwell, where they were living, just before 8pm after a crowd gathered for a demonstration arranged on Facebook.

Police said there were around 70 people, but Councillor Michael McNestry, who represents Chopwell on Gateshead Council, said there were more than 100.

Cllr McNestry said: “There was shouting and chanting and abuse. There was nothing majorly violent, but before the police had got there they had been throwing eggs at the house and banging on windows.

“I went up and asked them to move on to the grass to allow the police vehicle through to get the people out."

Police said no offences were committed and no-one was arrested.

It is understood the women are being rehoused.

Inspector Cheryl Warcup said: "We got a call from a number of residents concerned about what was going on.

"The group told us that they were protesting about two residents who were living in the area and, as a precaution, officers did help two people safely leave the address of concern.

“These two people will not be returning to the address and to ensure there is no further incidents we will continue to have a policing presence in the area.

"Officers attended and with the help of the local councillor we spoke to the group and got them to move on from the area.

“Although noisy, there was no offences committed and no arrests made.

"If anyone is found committing any offences or causing trouble then they will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately by officers."