Illegal weapon use a cause for concern for Cleveland Police

Cleveland Police is determined to remove as many weapons as possible off the streets following a number of gunshot incidents connected to drug feuds.

Detective Superintendent Helen Barker, who is heading up the force's hunt for weapons, wants to get as many offenders into court to face justice as she can before someone is killed.

The array of weapons seized by officers in recent months include improvised 'slam-guns', stun guns, high-powered air weapons, pepper spray and crossbows.

Air rifle, cannabis and suspected cocaine seized in police operation

She said: “Serious violence is a priority for the force but it is not something that comes under a single task force, it’s classed as daily business for everybody because clearly it is something that does impact on communities, even if they are not the direct target of the incidents.”

In July, a large amount of cannabis, suspected cocaine and an air rifle were seized from addresses on Moorcock Close in Redcar.

Five people aged between 17 and 25 were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. They have been released pending further enquiries.

Drugs, cash and weapons seized from a Teesside property

However, not every case is linked to drugs as court records show people have been fined for possession of illegal firearms.

And 56-year-old Stuart Pennick, of Cedarwood Glade, Middlesbrough, was given a conditional discharge after he admitted possession of a stun-gun.

• Read the full story here

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054