POLICE investigating reports of gun shots on Teesside earlier this week have renewed an appeal for information and witnesses.

The reports which allege shots were fired at addresses in Thornaby and Stockton on Monday evening into the early hours of Tuesday, have already resulted in the arrests of a number of suspects.

Initially, a woman, 58, and four men, 22, 30, 37 and 55, were arrested in connection with the shots but have since been released with bail conditions.

But overnight, police said they had now arrested a 32-year-old man in the Newcastle area along with two other men, a 27-year-old and 56-year-old on suspicion of assisting an offender.

On Tuesday, officers from the Cleveland Police including the Armed Response and Dog Section carried out searches at a number of homes in connection with the incidents.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Jon Tapper said: “There have now been a total of eight arrests made in connection with the incidents in Thornaby and Stockton and the police investigation is continuing. 

“Additional patrols are still being carried out in these areas in order to reassure our local communities.

"If anyone has any information regarding these incidents then they can approach one of these officers or call Cleveland Police on 101.”

Officers are again appealing for anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police via the 101 number or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.