Police engage in five-hour rooftop standoff in Gateshead after attempted break-in

Eagle-eyed residents in North Shields raised the alarm following an attempted break-in on Milton Terrace shortly before 1.10pm on Monday.

It was reported two men had broken a lock on a garage and tried to access other properties nearby before driving away on a distinctive red motorcycle.

Officers quickly identified the motorcycle, suspecting it was linked to a series of local incidents involving cloned number plates.

With assistance from the National Police Air Service, the motorcycle was spotted around 2.30pm in the Team Valley area of Gateshead.

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The two men abandoned the bike and fled onto the roof of a building on Princesway North where a five-hour standoff ensued.

The motorcycle was seized and the men were arrested later that evening.

They were charged with burglary and public order offences and are due to appear in court today.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “This was a brilliant outcome, and we hope it sends a strong message to anyone set out to commit crime – especially those on motorcycles and similar vehicles.

“You cannot hide, and our specialist officers are ready to pursue and detain you when necessary!”