A 23-year-old man has been airlifted to hospital after falling from a ladder while working on a house in St Cuthbert’s Avenue, in Horsely Hill, South Shields, at 12.30pm today (Wednesday, February 19). The man, who was airflifted by the Great North Air Ambulance, is critically ill in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed and will investigating the incident.

MENTAL HEALTH CONCORDAT: Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has backed a national call to better support people with mental health issues . Mrs Baird has joined commissioners from across the country and other national organisations in signing a pledge supporting the first Mental Health Concordat. The Concordat sets out shared principles which bring together a multi-agency response to people with a mental health crisis.

MOTORCYCLES STOLEN: Police are appealing for witnesses after motorcycles were were stolen in separate incidents in Sunderland. A 2008-registered red Honda 1000cc bike worth thousands of pounds was stolen from the driveway of a house at Dene View Crescent between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday, February 16. A blue Honda 125cc mini moto trials bikes was taken from The Crescent between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191.