Local News

A local MP has expressed deep anger and demanded urgent action from the Police and local Council after a little boy was pricked by used drug needles in a Loftus playground late last Tuesday afternoon;

Cleveland Police have issued a warning to the public after a large quantity of painkillers were stolen from pharmacy in Middlesbrough;

...and one of the region’s most well attended bonfire events is set to return next month – with a pigeon theme.

A local MP has expressed deep anger and demanded urgent action from the Police and local Council after a little boy was pricked by used drug needles in a Loftus playground late last Tuesday afternoon.

The four year-old was playing in the play area on Tees Street in East Loftus with his friend when he found four discarded needles.

As he ran up with them to his mum she saw he had cut his thumb on one of the needles.

The boy was rushed to James Cook Hospital, and now faces a three month ordeal to wait to find out if he has contracted Hepatitis B.

Now MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Simon Clarke has met the family to hear their story and see the play area himself.

Immediately afterwards he called the Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Council, Amanda Skelton, and wrote to Cleveland POlice Chief Constable Iain Spittal to demand action.

Cleveland Police have issued a warning to the public after a large quantity of painkillers were stolen from pharmacy in Middlesbrough.

Overnight on Saturday a burglary took place at Palladium Pharmacy on Eastbourne Road in Middlesbrough.

A large quantity of pain killers were stolen including Gabapentin, Pregablin and Lorazepam.

A substantial amount of the drugs was stolen and if they are taken incorrectly and in increased doses they could prove fatal - especially if taken together with other drugs and/or alcohol.

The drugs were all in pill form and boxed up in blister packs.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Matthew Speak from the Operational Crime Team in Middlesbrough via the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

One of the region’s most well attended bonfire events is set to return next month – with a pigeon theme.

This year’s Skinningrove Bonfire will be held on Saturday, November 4 and will once again take place at the village’s beach and seafront.

The event is free to attend but does rely on public donations to keep going so collectors will be on hand during the evening to help raise funds.

The Skinningrove Bonfire Committee have confirmed that the theme was chosen to celebrate the rich history of pigeon keeping and racing in Skinningrove, but it was chosen in unusual circumstances.

At a meeting of the bonfire committee in the spring when planning began, and one member looked out the window and saw a pigeon, and it went from there.

The bonfire is part of the scenery as well as the history and heritage of Skinningrove.