North East news RECAP: Police incident at the Tyne Bridge resolved

Have a good night!

That's all from us. We'll be back with you tomorrow!

We leave you with tomorrow's forecast:

"A chilly start, but another dry day on Tuesday with lots of hazy sunshine throughout. Feeling mild with a gentle breeze. Maximum temperature 16 °C."

Watch: Boris Johnson says British public must stay at home

UK in coronavirus lockdown as Boris Johnson orders people to stay at home

The country is in lockdown for at least three weeks, after Boris Johnson announced he was ordering people to stay at home.

Mr Johnson said: "From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home."

And the police will have the power to fine anyone who disobeys.

The Government had previously said people were "strongly advised" to practice "social distancing", which meant staying at home as much as possible, in order to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Read the full story here.

A1 clear after broken down vehicle removed

The broken down vehicle has been removed from the A1 Western Bypass northbound between J75 A69 and J77 A167 Ponteland Road.

Full list of bus services in Newcastle, Sunderland and South Tyneside affected by coronavirus

Bus services in and around Sunderland, Newcastle and South Tyneside have been affected by coronavirus outbreak.

From today, services will run reduced routes amid a collapse in demand and a falling number of staff.

The government recently escalated their advice and told people to avoid all non-essential travel as well as practicing social distancing.

Some bus providers have implemented Saturday and Sunday timetables through the week to reflect the lower demand for buses.

See the full list here.

A1 lane closed due to broken down vehicle

One lane closed due to broken down vehicle on A1 Western Bypass Northbound from J75 for the A69 to J77 for the A167 Ponteland Road.

Former Newcastle University professor on the run after being jailed for sex attacks on young girl

A former Newcastle University professor and famous composer is being hunted by police after being sentenced to 23 years in jail for a string of rape and sexual offences.

Agustín Fernández was found guilty of 13 offences at Newcastle Crown Court, including five for rape and six of sexual assault.

He also incited a young girl to have sex with him.

Full story here.

Check if roads are affected nearby

Check traffic and road closures near you by typing in your postcode

Police attending incident on Tyne Bridge

Northumbria Police have confirmed that they are attending an ongoing incident on the Tyne Bridge.

Traffic in Gateshead

A194(M) and A194 Leam Lane in both directions busy but moving at A184 Newcastle Road (White Mare Pool Roundabout).

Technical problems on Metro

Rail delays between Darlington and Newcastle

Delays of up to ten minutes on Transpennine Express between Darlington and Newcastle due to problem with lineside equipment.

Queen Alexandra Bridge busy

A1231 Queen Alexandra Bridge busy but moving between Pallion New Road and Wessington Way.

Three coronavirus patients die in Newcastle and two die in Sunderland

Three coronavirus patients have died in Newcastle and two have died in Sunderland.

The deaths were announced by NHS England on Monday as the total number of Covid-19 deaths in the UK reached 335.

All of the patients were elderly and were suffering from underlying health conditions.

A Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Hospitals Trust statement said: "We are very sad to confirm that three patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 have died in the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with their families at this very difficult and distressing time. We would like to request that the privacy of these families is respected."

Full story here.

Lane closed on A1(M)

A1(M) northbound lane closed on entry slip road due to accident at J64 A195 Western Highway (Washington).

Traffic is coping well.

What some North East barbers are doing during the coronavirus outbreak

On Friday, Boris Johnson told pubs, clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants to close in order to stop the spread of coronavirus.

And although the Prime Minister is instructing the country to practice social distancing, remaining two metres apart, some businesses that require physical contact continue to trade.

Two barbers share how they are going about business during these uncertain times, and why.

Full story here.

Queues in Durham

A690 Leazes Road busy but moving at A691 Framwelgate Peth (The Gates Roundabout).

Tonight's weather forecast

"High cloud gradually thickens and spreads east across the region during the evening.

"It will remain dry but will feel chilly at times in stronger winds. Minimum temperature 1 °C."

Busy on Wearmouth Bridge

Congestion on A1018 Wearmouth Bridge southbound in Sunderland.

Two charged with attempted murder after Birtley shooting

Two men have been charged with attempted murder after a shooting in Gateshead.

Emergency services were called to an address on Dorset Avenue, Birtley, following reports of concern for a male.

When officers arrived, the 26-year-old male occupant had already been taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries consistent with a firearm.

An investigation was launched and two men were taken into custody.

Eric Smith, 64, and Stephen Neasham, 57, both of Bewicke Main Caravan Park, Lamesley, have now both been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

They appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday and are due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court at a later date.

Detective Inspector Joanne Brooks from Northumbria Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team said: “We know an incident of this nature can come as a shock to some residents in the area but I would like to thank the community of Birtley for their support during this investigation.

“Thankfully firearms incidents are very rare in this area and I would like to reiterate that we believe this was an isolated incident with all parties involved thought to be known to each other.

“We have now charged two men with attempted murder but we are still keen to hear from anyone who might have information which can help our enquiries.”

Anyone who can assist police is asked to email 601@northumbria.pnn.police.uk, quoting log 903 210320 or by visiting our website using the ‘Tell us Something’ page. Alternatively you can call 101 or report anonymously by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CCTV appeal after £1,600 worth of electronics were stolen from Newcastle Uni

An investigation is under way after £1,600 worth of electronics were stolen from Newcastle University’s Student Union.

The incident happened on Friday, February 7, when two people entered the Student Radio Room and stole an iPad and Macbook amongst other electrical items.

Police say enquiries are ongoing but those responsible have not yet been tracked down.

Officers have now released CCTV images of two people they want to speak to in connection with the burglary.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said:

“Enquiries to identify and locate the people responsible are ongoing however, officers investigating the burglary have now released footage of a man and woman they need to trace.

“They were both in the area at the time and may be able to assist the police investigation.

“The man and woman, or anyone who recognises them, are asked to get in touch by emailing 8964@northumbria.pnn.police.uk or reporting online by searching ‘Northumbria Police – Tell us Something’ on your internet browser.”

UK could see hottest spring on record ahead of looming coronavirus lockdown

The UK could see the hottest spring on record - but we probably can’t do anything to enjoy it.

Many people are already in isolation due to coronavirus and the Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned of a potential lockdown and stricter measures if people don’t comply with Government advice.

On Sunday, beaches and beauty spots were packed despite advice to stay home or stay at least two metres away from each other to avoid spreading the virus further.

Now, some are predicting we could see unseasonably hot weather soon with temperatures of up to 20C this week.

In the North East, we’re looking at highs of 15C on Wednesday and 14C on Tuesday.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has now slashed odds to just 5/2 that this goes down as the hottest spring ever, and it’s now just a 3/1 shot for Brits to see temperatures hit 20C before the week is out.

Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “It looks as though Brits have something to look forward to with temperatures soon set to rise substantially.”

However, it look as though we might be confined to enjoying the weather in our own gardens.

Mr Hancock said ministers were prepared to take stricter measures to clampdown on the spread of the virus if necessary.

Asked by the BBC whether he would move to telling people not to go out at all rather than simply advise against it, he said: “Yes, and on Saturday I signed the order to give the police the power to be able to shut bars, restaurants and pubs if they are still open.

“This isn’t the sort of thing I ever wanted to do but it is the sort of thing as a nation we have to be prepared to see to stop the this virus.

“These are unpleasant and very difficult times.”

Asked whether the Cabinet would be considering a firmer lockdown when it meets on Monday, Mr Hancock said: “Nothing is off the table. Of course we are looking at what other European countries are doing.”

Congestion in Durham

Traffic is heavy on the A167 Newcastle Road Southbound around A690 Neville's Cross Bank.

Temporary lights in Jarrow

Traffic is heavy on the A185 in both directions at B1516 Park Road due to roadworks.

Man charged with alleged murder of Christopher Ritchie

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Christopher Ritchie.

Jonathon Morgan, 26, of Allergate, Durham, is due to appear in court on Monday morning.

Police found Mr Ritchie lifeless in Mitchell Street, near Durham bus station in Durham City, on Thursday, March 19. Paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the 41-year-old died as a result of stab wounds.

Speaking after his death, Mr Ritchie’s heartbroken mum Jean said: “Christopher was kind-hearted and generous. He would do anything for anyone and would never hurt anyone.

“He was a loving son, brother and dad and we all love him to bits.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 56 of March 19.

Slow towards the Tyne Bridge

Traffic is slow on the A184 Askew Road eastbound around the A167 Tyne Bridge Approach.

Coronavirus 'taking toll' on Metro service

Busy on the Felling Bypass

Traffic is also busy on the A184 westbound around the A185 Shields Road (Heworth).

A690 delays

There’s delays as usual on the A690 between the A1(M) Carville Roundabout and A181 ( Gilesgate Roundabout).

Heavy around Testo's

Traffic is heavy on the A19 in both directions around the A184 (Testo’s Roundabout) due to the roadworks.