A man and woman have appeared in court charged with child cruelty.

Jean Gasho, 41, and Kofi Offeh, 35, were brought before Teesside Magistrates Court on Monday (July 15) both facing a charge of child cruelty.

The pair, of Yarm Lane, Stockton, were arrested after what police described as a ‘complex’ investigation ‘involving two members of the community’ alongside the council and local NHS.

Gasho and Offeh entered no pleas during the short hearing on Monday, and the case was sent to Teesside Crown Court.

They were both remanded in custody until a hearing set to take place on August 12.

Police previously assured residents they are “confident there is no threat or risk to the safety of the community”.

A spokesperson added: “We are no longer concerned for the welfare of anyone else connected to this investigation and have concluded the search at the property on Yarm Lane.”

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A 20-year-old woman who also arrested in connection with the incident was previously bailed by police pending further enquiries.

A cordon was in place outside an address on Yarm Lane towards the end of last week with white-suited CSI teams seen working inside.