South Shields: Ten arrests in kidnapping investigation

Image source, Northumbria Police

Image caption, Police targeted properties across South Shields on Monday

Ten people have been arrested in raids related to alleged kidnappings.

Northumbria Police said "a number of people" had been held against their will and assaulted at an address in South Tyneside last month.

Eight men and two women, aged between 24 and 37, were arrested on Monday on suspicion of false imprisonment, blackmail and assault.

Eight have been charged and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 22 November.

No pleas were entered at an initial hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court earlier.

A 29-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been released on bail.

Officers carried out dawn raids at several addresses in South Shields.

Det Insp Mark Atherton said there was no wider risk to the public.

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