Local News

Police have confirmed that a pensioner who collapsed at a Redcar supermarket on Thursday morning died at the scene, after an ambulance sent to assist him was delayed by protesters on the A66;

An inquest has found that a young man found at the foot of Saltburn’s Huntcliff took his own life;

...and advice and support to help tackle fuel poverty was on hand at a special event yesterday.

Police have confirmed that a pensioner who collapsed at a Redcar supermarket on Thursday morning died at the scene, after an ambulance sent to assist him was delayed by protesters on the A66.

The ambulance was despatched to assist the 85-year-old, who had collapsed in Morrisons in Redcar, as soon as an emergency call was received at 8.58am.

However it was delayed due to a traffic jam caused by protests on the A66, close to the MGT Power Plant, and didn't arrive until 9.23am.

Sadly, the man died at the scene and he was then taken to James Cook University Hospital.

An inquest has found that a young man found at the foot of Saltburn’s Huntcliff took his own life.

Ben Overfield, who was 20, left his Brotton home in before his parents woke up on the morning of October 26th last year. 

After an extensive search of the pier and Valley Gardens at Saltburn, a police helicopter spotted his body at the foot of the cliffs .

Coastguard and RNLI teams were sent to the scene, and Mr Overfield was pronounced dead by a paramedic at the Redcar lifeboat station.

A number of suicide notes were found at Mr Overfield’s home, and at Huntcliff.

A official verdict of suicide was recorded.

Advice and support to help tackle fuel poverty was on hand at a special event yesterday.

Yesterday was National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day with the aim of highlighting the impact fuel of poverty on those in need.

Organised by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, the event brought together an array of agencies working to support those struggling to keep warm in their homes.

Locally the Middlesbrough Affordable Warmth Partnership and Warm and Well in Redcar & Cleveland joined forces, and were outside the Live Well Centre in the Dundas Shopping Centre between 10am and 2pm helping with any inquiries about home energy efficiency, fuel bills or general benefits advice.

Middlesbrough Environment City, the Staying Put Agency, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Age UK Teesside and the Islamic Diversity Centre all had stalls in front of the Live Well Centre offering information and free giveaways.

Special guests included Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd who spoke as part of a presentation by the Affordable Warmth Partnership.