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Sam Coutts, 18.

Crook Coroners Court

‘No one knew what was coming’ before Darlington student took his life, coroner rules

Julie Hogg (left) and Billy Dunlop (right)

Julie Hogg (left) and Billy Dunlop (right)

Killer Billy Dunlop says he felt 'euphoric' after murder but has 'turned life around'

'Our whole world has been shattered' - family name 22-year-old killed in A1 crash

Kevin Robinson owner of Chapter & Filter.

Kevin Robinson owner of Chapter & Filter.

Ex civil servant opens dream independent bookshop and café in Darlington

The pitheap looming above the Plantation rows in Trimdon Grange in 1969

The pitheap looming above the Plantation rows in Trimdon Grange in 1969

‘It couldn’t happen here’ - Aberfan tragedy prompted County Durham pitheap fears

Whitehouse Primary School.

Whitehouse Primary School.

North East school to close to all pupils after gas supply problem discovered

Trial of five men charged with the murder of Daniel Ambler has started at Teesside Crown Court

Trial of five men charged with the murder of Daniel Ambler has started at Teesside Crown Court

Durham Constabulary

Jury hears County Durham man was deliberately targeted with ‘murderous intent'

Raids across Stockton in Operation Artemis

Raids across Stockton in Operation Artemis

Cleveland Police

Operation Artemis - 16 arrested so far as police raid properties across Teesside

(left to right) Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey during a visit to Shell UK's St Fergus Gas Terminal in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, following the announcement of the UK

(left to right) Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey during a visit to Shell UK's St Fergus Gas Terminal in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, following the announcement of the UK

Government is right for many reasons to allow Jackdaw gas drilling to go ahead

Son of young mum killed by 'evil' Billy Dunlop says he 'robbed him of his childhood'

Police drop case against church magazine editor who picked up dead deer off A66

Young machete-carrying street drugs dealer faces custodial sentence at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday (October 22)

Young machete-carrying street drugs dealer faces custodial sentence at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday (October 22)

Teesside Crown Court

Darlington cocaine dealer armed with machete who fled police on e-bike is facing jail

Locals are advised to avoid touching diseased or dead wild birds and report suspected cases through Defra.

Locals are advised to avoid touching diseased or dead wild birds and report suspected cases through Defra.

Bird flu confirmed at North East poultry farm as surveillance zone introduced

Fayre Play has been hailed as an ideal spot for date night or a family day out for its

Fayre Play has been hailed as an ideal spot for date night or a family day out for its

'Playful' North East business on Dragon's Den offers a modern take on fairground fun

Tragedy as person dies after being hit by train on East Coast Main Line in North East

A hearse was driven onto the pitch at half-time of a pre-season friendly football match between Dunston UTS and Gateshead, at Dunston's Wellington Road ground in July 2023

A hearse was driven onto the pitch at half-time of a pre-season friendly football match between Dunston UTS and Gateshead, at Dunston's Wellington Road ground in July 2023

Newcastle Crown Court (crimes)

County Durham duo appear at court over hearse on football pitch and other incidents

A bus shelter in Darlington targeted by vandals.

A bus shelter in Darlington targeted by vandals.

Darlington Borough Council

Darlington bus shelters left without lighting after 'dangerous' spate of vandalism

Five men are accused of murdering Daniel Ambler

Five men are accused of murdering Daniel Ambler

Durham Constabulary

Live day 3 - Men stand trial accused of County Durham petrol station murder

LIVE: Arrests made as early morning raids tackle organised crime in North East

LIVE: Arrests made as early morning raids tackle organised crime in North East

LIVE: Arrests made as early morning raids tackle organised crime in North East

News

Students with Jonathan Webb, headteacher of Ripon Grammar School

Students with Jonathan Webb, headteacher of Ripon Grammar School

North Yorkshire school named among best in country in prestigious league table

Strictly star Anton Du Beke announces major career move away from show

Bishop Auckland Hospital

Bishop Auckland Hospital

MP vows to fight Bishop Auckland Hospital ward closure as Christmas deadline looms

Waldridge Road crossroads, Edmondsley, near Chester-le-Street

Waldridge Road crossroads, Edmondsley, near Chester-le-Street

One person in hospital after crash that blocked off County Durham crossroads

Greens Lane in Hartburn, Stockton

Greens Lane in Hartburn, Stockton

Cleveland Police

Teenager arrested on suspicion of drink driving after car overturns in Stockton

Police 'concerned for' missing man, 64, last seen using walking frame

A police helicopter

A police helicopter

National Police Air Service

Why a police helicopter was spotted hovering over Darlington last night

LIVE - Crash at County Durham crossroads closes road - updates

LIVE - Crash at County Durham crossroads closes road - updates

LIVE - One person in hospital after crash at County Durham crossroads

Darlington train station

Darlington train station

East Coast Main Line

Major rail disruption on East Coast line as emergency services deal with incident

Billy Dunlop parole hearing LIVE - Updates as killer makes bid for freedom

Billy Dunlop parole hearing LIVE - Updates as killer makes bid for freedom

Billy Dunlop parole hearing LIVE - Killer 'cringes' at 'selfish' man he used to be

Sedgefield Primary School, on Rectory Row

Sedgefield Primary School, on Rectory Row

School closures

County Durham school forced to close as 'not safe' after water pours through roof

LIVE - A1 partially blocked and queuing traffic after reports of 'obstruction on the road'

LIVE - A1 partially blocked and queuing traffic after reports of 'obstruction on the road'

LIVE - A1 fully reopens after reports of 'obstruction on the road'

Clocks go back this weekend.

Clocks go back this weekend.

UK clocks to go back 'earlier than normal' this weekend

Can you visit Amanda Owen's Ravenseat Farm? What Yorkshire Dales walkers need to know

She stole from the Co-op in Wingate

She stole from the Co-op in Wingate

Peterlee Magistrates Court

County Durham woman repeatedly stole from Co-op to fund drug addiction

Three men police would like to speak to relating to an alleged assault in Newcastle city centre, in July

Three men police would like to speak to relating to an alleged assault in Newcastle city centre, in July

Northumbria Police

Police release images of three men after North East city centre bladed weapon attack

Sex offender Paul Southern locked up again after exposing himself to commuter at railway station

Sex offender Paul Southern locked up again after exposing himself to commuter at railway station

British Transport Police

Sex offender back behind bars after exposing himself to railway station commuters

Woodlands Hospital clinical staff with the gold award

Woodlands Hospital clinical staff with the gold award

Hospital celebrates 25 years in Darlington with gold standard for patient safety

Left, The renowned Dr Margaret Bradshaw, founder of the Teesdale Special Flora Trust, and Patsy Bigley, the trust's botanical assistant, who are helping lead a new conservation project to protect Upper Teesdale's rare Arctic-alpine plants

Left, The renowned Dr Margaret Bradshaw, founder of the Teesdale Special Flora Trust, and Patsy Bigley, the trust's botanical assistant, who are helping lead a new conservation project to protect Upper Teesdale's rare Arctic-alpine plants

Rare County Durham plants that survived since Ice Age given £64,000 conservation hope

Traffic, travel and weather news - Live updates for County Durham and North East

The fire on Fylingdales moor in North Yorkshire just over a year ago

The fire on Fylingdales moor in North Yorkshire just over a year ago

MPs urge wildfire reforms after record incidents - including North York Moors blaze

Durham-born music producer Trevor Horn returns to Gala Durham with spoken-word show Adventures in Modern Recording, sharing his career stories

Durham-born music producer Trevor Horn returns to Gala Durham with spoken-word show Adventures in Modern Recording, sharing his career stories

Music producer Trevor Horn to bring spoken-word tour to Durham homecoming

Travellers at unauthorised North Yorkshire site launch appeal to remain on land

Chef Nur Hussain of Spice Lounge Durham with his National Curry Awards 2026 Chef of the Year trophy and certificate in London.

Chef Nur Hussain of Spice Lounge Durham with his National Curry Awards 2026 Chef of the Year trophy and certificate in London.

Durham Indian with award-winning chef who brings 'magic' to creating delicious food

Our Journalists

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Government is right for many reasons to allow Jackdaw gas drilling to go ahead

Son of young mum killed by 'evil' Billy Dunlop says he 'robbed him of his childhood'

County Durham family go all out with 4,000 light Christmas display... in October

Ambitious new vision hopes to put Darlington town centre at 'heart of the community'

New jobs up for grabs at North Yorkshire factory making one million sausages a day

Darlington's revolutionary academy plan for US players - but new ground at standstill

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington thanks community but funding fight is not over

Sport

Sunderland's Brian Brobbey

Brian Brobbey injury update and Sunderland plan confirmed ahead of Leeds United clash

We're giving away two pairs of tickets for Sunderland's Premier League game against Leeds United

We're giving away two pairs of tickets for Sunderland's Premier League game against Leeds United

Win tickets for Sunderland vs Leeds United Premier League game at Stadium of Light

The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson and Dominic Shaw were joined by Jonny Howson, Andrew Taylor and Craig Hignett for our first ever You Are My Boro live event at Pitch Sports Bar, in Middlesbrough

The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson and Dominic Shaw were joined by Jonny Howson, Andrew Taylor and Craig Hignett for our first ever You Are My Boro live event at Pitch Sports Bar, in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough FC

Jonny Howson returns to Middlesbrough as former stars celebrate anniversary

Darlington's current home at Blackwell Meadows

Darlington's current home at Blackwell Meadows

Darlington's revolutionary academy plan for US players - but new ground at standstill

Neto Borges celebrates his Middlesbrough winner at Stoke

Neto Borges celebrates his Middlesbrough winner at Stoke

Middlesbrough FC

The story of unlikely Middlesbrough resurgence after managerial changes altered plans

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Business

Fayre Play has been hailed as an ideal spot for date night or a family day out for its

Fayre Play has been hailed as an ideal spot for date night or a family day out for its

'Playful' North East business on Dragon's Den offers a modern take on fairground fun

Kevin Robinson owner of Chapter & Filter.

Kevin Robinson owner of Chapter & Filter.

Ex civil servant opens dream independent bookshop and café in Darlington

Alan and Valerie Dunnighan, who run Mitford Pottery at the North East BIC, have launched Wear Crafts CIC

Alan and Valerie Dunnighan, who run Mitford Pottery at the North East BIC, have launched Wear Crafts CIC

North East pottery couple launch craft hub for community projects

Blackhill Fish & Chips has built a loyal following in Consett, with customers praising its golden battered fish, generous portions and traditional chip shop favourites.

Blackhill Fish & Chips has built a loyal following in Consett, with customers praising its golden battered fish, generous portions and traditional chip shop favourites.

Why family-run Consett chippy remains favourite with fish and chip fans 18 years on

Durham entrepreneur Kayleigh Oborka-Letman has launched NDA Pilates studio after securing a £17,500 British Business Bank Start Up Loan

Durham entrepreneur Kayleigh Oborka-Letman has launched NDA Pilates studio after securing a £17,500 British Business Bank Start Up Loan

Durham entrepreneur opens community-focused Pilates studio with start up loan

Busy Danish homeware shop Søstrene Grene confirms Durham opening date

Active Chartered Financial Planners’ managing director, Karl Pemberton

Active Chartered Financial Planners’ managing director, Karl Pemberton

Survey reveals North East nerves over John Healey's first Budget

Echo Memories

The pitheap looming above the Plantation rows in Trimdon Grange in 1969

The pitheap looming above the Plantation rows in Trimdon Grange in 1969

‘It couldn’t happen here’ - Aberfan tragedy prompted County Durham pitheap fears

A mural on the side of Durham County Hall in Durham which depicts the history of the city. The County Hall along with the mural is due to be demolished.

A mural on the side of Durham County Hall in Durham which depicts the history of the city. The County Hall along with the mural is due to be demolished.

Durham County Council

Campaigners race to save Durham County Hall mural as demolition deadline nears

Durham Indoor Market

The Durham Market Hall trader that's supplied fresh fruit and veg for over 30 years

The commemorative plaque at Newcastle Central Metro station honouring Professor Tony Ridley, who helped turn the Tyne and Wear Metro from an idea into reality

The commemorative plaque at Newcastle Central Metro station honouring Professor Tony Ridley, who helped turn the Tyne and Wear Metro from an idea into reality

OBJECT OF THE WEEK

Tyne and Wear Metro

Honour for North East engineer who helped turn an ambitious Metro dream into reality

Northern Perspectives' view of the leadmining landscape at Nenthead

Northern Perspectives' view of the leadmining landscape at Nenthead

NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES

Drone reveals remarkable remains of 1,000 years of lead mining in the Pennines

A Favourite bus in Bishop Auckland Market Place

A Favourite bus in Bishop Auckland Market Place

The ordinary-looking chair hiding a remarkable piece of County Durham bus history

More Sections

The pitheap looming above the Plantation rows in Trimdon Grange in 1969

‘It couldn’t happen here’ - Aberfan tragedy prompted County Durham pitheap fears

(left to right) Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey during a visit to Shell UK's St Fergus Gas Terminal in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, following the announcement of the UK

Government is right for many reasons to allow Jackdaw gas drilling to go ahead

Fayre Play has been hailed as an ideal spot for date night or a family day out for its

'Playful' North East business on Dragon's Den offers a modern take on fairground fun

Find Local Events

Culture & Lifestyle

Can you visit Amanda Owen's Ravenseat Farm? What Yorkshire Dales walkers need to know

Durham-born music producer Trevor Horn returns to Gala Durham with spoken-word show Adventures in Modern Recording, sharing his career stories

Durham-born music producer Trevor Horn returns to Gala Durham with spoken-word show Adventures in Modern Recording, sharing his career stories

Music producer Trevor Horn to bring spoken-word tour to Durham homecoming

Fayre Play has been hailed as an ideal spot for date night or a family day out for its

Fayre Play has been hailed as an ideal spot for date night or a family day out for its

'Playful' North East business on Dragon's Den offers a modern take on fairground fun

Chef Nur Hussain of Spice Lounge Durham with his National Curry Awards 2026 Chef of the Year trophy and certificate in London.

Chef Nur Hussain of Spice Lounge Durham with his National Curry Awards 2026 Chef of the Year trophy and certificate in London.

Durham Indian with award-winning chef who brings 'magic' to creating delicious food

Kevin Robinson owner of Chapter & Filter.

Kevin Robinson owner of Chapter & Filter.

Ex civil servant opens dream independent bookshop and café in Darlington

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood who has joined the convent

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood who has joined the convent

Craig Revel Horwood

Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood and Paul Chuckle to star in North East Sister Act tour

PC Ben Sutcliffe's on the Channel 5 Police Interceptors show

PC Ben Sutcliffe's on the Channel 5 Police Interceptors show

Police Interceptor guilty of gross misconduct for public sex with junior officer

National News

Kemi Badenoch was speaking to the Police Federation (Lesley Martin/PA)

Kemi Badenoch was speaking to the Police Federation (Lesley Martin/PA)

Badenoch: Indecision over Harper killers’ release made police jobs harder

William Dunlop strangled Julie Hogg in 1989 (Cleveland Police/PA)

William Dunlop strangled Julie Hogg in 1989 (Cleveland Police/PA)

Murderer says he would have killed again but ‘I totally get family’s pain now’

Prime Minister Andy Burnham departs 10 Downing Street (PA)

Prime Minister Andy Burnham departs 10 Downing Street (PA)

PM tells Stormont ministers to ‘step forward’ and set a budget

The UK Government is being challenged on its decision to award protected status to English whisky (Jane Barlow/PA)

The UK Government is being challenged on its decision to award protected status to English whisky (Jane Barlow/PA)

‘Misconceptions’ over SWA opposition to English whisky protection

Jeffrey Donaldson is a former MP (PA)

Jeffrey Donaldson is a former MP (PA)

Ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson accused of 2016 rape inside Westminster

First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the remarks (Liam McBurney/PA)

First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the remarks (Liam McBurney/PA)

‘IRA lawyers’ comment blasted as ‘shameful’ by NI First Minister

John Swinney welcomed the announcement (Jane Barlow/PA)

John Swinney welcomed the announcement (Jane Barlow/PA)

Ring-fence energy fund for north-east of Scotland, says Swinney

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