A 64-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a house on Baker Street, in Town End Farm, Sunderland, on Thursday evening (April 25). Anyone with information on the blaze is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

SHOPS CONFIRMED: A number of stores have been confirmed for a £150m regeneration scheme for the former Get Carter car park area, in Gateshead. They include Sports Direct, CEX, Tesco, cinema operators Vue, Phones 4 U and Costa Coffee. The project will be the biggest of its kind in Britain outside London and is set to open next month.

NISSAN LEAF: The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has bought a Nissan Leaf electric car, to transport staff and guests between fire stations and offices. The fire brigade is looking to reduce its carbon footprint.

SECOND FIRE: Low Fell Clinic, a dental practice in Gateshead, has been set on fire twice in a week. The first fire happened at 5pm on Saturday (April 20), causing a small amount of damage. The second, at 10.30pm on Wednesday, caused damage running into tens of thousands of pounds. Police are treating both fires as arson. Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

TEEN ROBBED: Police are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old boy was robbed while sat on a bench under Redheugh Bridge, in Gateshead. The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Tuesday (April 25). The boy was punched in the face and robbed of his mobile phone, lighter and money. He was treated in hospital for facial injuries. Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 101.