Local News

The Fishing Minister has said that "we may never know for sure" what caused the freak death of thousands of crustaceans on the North East coast;

Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision involving a cyclist in Redcar;

...and detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after a robbery in North Ormesby.

The Fishing Minister has said that "we may never know for sure" what caused the freak death of thousands of crustaceans on the North East coast.

The comments from Victoria Prentis would appear to undermine a report by Government scientists, which concluded last month that an algal bloom was the most likely cause.

Independent marine pollution experts have argued the cause is linked to a specific chemical called pyridine - quantities of which were found to be more than 70 times higher in some crab samples taken from Saltburn and Seaton Carew.

Fishermen along the Teesside and North Yorkshire coast believe the blame lies with unearthing of historical toxins caused by dredging on the river Tees, leading to the high levels of pyridine.

Defra, the department for the environment, food and rural affairs, released a report in May which stated that 'no single, consistent causative factor was identified.'

However campaigners have described the report as 'tosh' and have demanded further investigations take place into whether dredging is a potential cause.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision involving a cyclist in Redcar.

The incident happened around 8:45am on Saturday on Larkswood Road, Redcar.

Officers received a report that a 50-year-old cyclist was injured after a collision involving a black Ssangyong Musso.

The cyclist suffered pelvic injuries and was taken to James Cook University Hospital where he remains whilst receiving treatment.

Any witnesses are asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after a robbery in North Ormesby.

The incident happened around 9:25pm on Monday at One Stop on Kings Road.

Two suspects entered the store, made threats and stole a quantity of cigarettes.

The pair made off in the direction of James Street, onto Esk Street and then towards Beaumont Road.

The first male suspect is described as 5ft 7" tall, of slim build, aged in his 20's and wearing black clothing with a black balaclava.

The second male suspect is described as 5ft 10" tall, of slim build, aged in his late teens to early 20's and wearing grey clothing and a black balaclava.

Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries into the incident is asked contact them on the non-emergency number 101.