Cympil

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in Bedlington. It happened between 10.30pm on Wednesday, 23 September, and 3am Thursday, 24 September, at a house in Bedlington station. A thief broke into the house while the occupant, a 67-year man, was sleeping. He was woken by a noise, investigated and disturbed the thief. He was then assaulted by the intruder and suffered minor injuries as a result of the attack. A small quantity of cash was taken and later recovered. DC Jaclyn Younger, Bedlington CID said: " This was a serious offence with an elderly man robbed in his own home. We are carrying out extensive enquiries to try and gain any information that will help with enquiries. It's important to highlight how infrequent offences like this are in Bedlington." Anyone with any information or who may have seen someone suspicious in the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact police in Bedlington on 03456 043 043 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Following the collapse of Wine Cellar Ltd on Wednesday, the Simply Drinks Bedlington Branch on Front Street West has closed with immediate effect. The company which operated under the Booze Busters, Simply Drinks and Simply Food & Drinks Brands had 170 stores, the majority being in the North West and North East of the country. Administrators Deloitte announced yesterday that a deal had been struck to sell 109 stores to EFB retail, but the remaining 61 stores closed today having failed to tempt any further buyers. The closures have resulted in about 320 job losses nationwide. Deloitte partner Bill Dawson, said: "We will be working closely with the Redundancy Payments Office to provide support for these staff." On a more upbeat note, Bedlington.co.uk would like to welcome "The Head Shed" to the town, a newly opened Barber's Shop taking the place of D&G Computer Media in the Market Place.

Police are appealing for information after an attempted bag snatch on a 82-year-old woman in Bedlington. The incident happened at around 1pm on Monday, September 28. The 82-year-old woman was walking in a rear lane at Rothesay Terrace, Bedlington when she was approached from behind by a man and woman. The man then attempted to snatch her handbag but was disturbed by a nearby member of the public. The two culprits then ran off towards Victoria Terrace empty handed. The man is described as being white, in his early 20's, about 5"² 7"³ "“ 5"² 9"³, of medium build and was wearing a grey coloured hooded top and trainers. The female is described as being white, in her 30's, around 5"² 5"³, of heavy build, with shoulder length dark curly hair and was wearing a light coloured jacket. Bedlington Neighbourhood Inspector Ross Davidson said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a vulnerable member of the public but I would like to reassure the public that this type of incident is extremely rare in this area, and we would appeal for anyone who knows anything to come forward." Anyone who was in the area at the time, or anyone with any information, is asked to call Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.