County Durham news

• James Bulger's grave damaged by 'vandals' as devastated mum appeals for information

  26-02-2026 22:57 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Denise Fergus, mum of James who was murdered when he was just two, said she was "devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James"
  
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• North East tot's washing machine obsession goes viral

  26-02-2026 22:28 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Three-year-old Teddy Gillespie's favourite place to visit is Currys as he loves to press the buttons and watch the machines spin
  
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• Canary Islands hit with 4.1 magnitude earthquake with Los Cristianos and Las Palmas shaken

  26-02-2026 22:02 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Residents and tourists across Tenerife and Gran Canaria felt rooms shaking as a 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck
  
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• Ministers 'share aspiration' for Newcastle's Swing Bridge in 150th anniversary year

  26-02-2026 21:51 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Dame Chi Onwurah raised the need for national backing to restore the Swing Bridge, with a feasibility study led by Newcastle City Council underway
  
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• Everything you need to know as Sir Keir Starmer visits North East for first time in 2026

  26-02-2026 21:45 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The Prime Minister visited Walbottle Academy to talk about Mission North East, SEND support, and working with families campaigning to change the law in memory of their children
  
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• Council signs off rise in parking permit fees across Gateshead

  26-02-2026 21:38 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Here is the list of newly approved costs for parking permits across several sites in Gateshead
  
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• Gateshead Council passes maximum council tax rise and £10m of savings in budget

  26-02-2026 21:32 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The local authority's Labour administration has passed its budget proposals including a further council tax rise
  
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• Dragons' Den star Shaf Rasul dead at 55 as tributes pour in

  26-02-2026 20:36 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Former Dragons' Den star and businessman Shaf Rasul has died at the age of 55 after suddenly falling ill at home, with tributes pouring in for the self-made multi-millionaire
  
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• 'It could have been anyone' - Insider says inmates wanted to 'do in' Ian Huntley - Britain's most-hated prisoner

  26-02-2026 20:19 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  A jail source has lifted the lid on the Soham murderer's life at HMP Frankland and revealed how he could have become an attack target
  
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• 10 pictures as Sir Keir Starmer tells Newcastle school ministers are 'here to roll up our sleeves'

  26-02-2026 20:14 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Starmer visited Walbottle Academy as part of his 'cost of living tour of Britain' and said that the Government wants to enable teachers to ensure every child can "go as far as their talent and ability will take them"
  
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• Set For Life results LIVE: Winning National Lottery numbers for Thursday, February 26

  26-02-2026 19:59 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Tonight's Set For Life could see one player scoop £10,000 every month for 30 years
  
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• Inside Ian Huntley's time at HMP Frankland as he is left 'fighting for his life' following attack

  26-02-2026 19:00 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The 52-year-old was convicted of murdering 10-year-old schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire in August 2002
  
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• Man seriously injured after being hit by car in Newcastle

  26-02-2026 18:57 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  A man in his 30s remains in hospital five days after the incident on Claremont Road in Spital Tongues
  
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• Starmer pledges support for family of murdered Northumberland schoolgirl Holly Newton

  26-02-2026 18:40 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Holly Newton's mum, Micala Trussler, has been campaigning for a change in the law so that under-16s can be recognised as victims of domestic abuse
  
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• Suspect identified in child killer Ian Huntley Frankland prison attack

  26-02-2026 18:32 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Durham Constabulary says it has identified a man in his 40s after an alleged assault in Frankland Prison on Thursday
  
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• Keir Starmer on the new North East schools mission to 'dramatically' improve exam results

  26-02-2026 18:20 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The Prime Minister spoke to pupils, parents, and staff at Newcastle's Walbottle Academy on Thursday about the push to improve educational standards in the North East
  
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• Sex predator made 'stuff of nightmares' come true for two women after Newcastle music festival

  26-02-2026 18:12 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  David Robson pounced on two strangers within minutes of one another after they left Come Together festival on Newcastle's Town Moor
  
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• Starmer promises help for North East SEND children suffering under 'postcode lottery' of support

  26-02-2026 18:09 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says parents should not be left in a "battle" with authorities to secure the extra support that special needs children require
  
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• Shields Ferry off for another month as Nexus confirms suspension to continue to end of March

  26-02-2026 18:03 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Repairs to the Shields Ferry's north landing are taking longer than hoped and the service will remain out of action until the end of March, at the earliest
  
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• Starmer urged to back Maya's Law and deliver 'real change' after North East toddler's murder

  26-02-2026 17:40 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  A petition in support of Maya's Law, in memory of murdered two-year-old Maya Chappell, recently passed 100,000 signatures and will be debated in Parliament
  
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• Family of missing Washington man desperate for him to return home two weeks since last sighting

  26-02-2026 16:51 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Chris Davies was last seen on February 11 with new CCTV footage updates of his last known moments shared six days ago
  
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• Ian Huntley attack is second time killer has been treated in North East hospitals after serious assault

  26-02-2026 16:32 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Soham murder Ian Huntley is understood to be in a critical condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary after suffering serious injuries
  
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• Two North East teenagers missing after failing to return to home

  26-02-2026 16:28 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  15-year-old girls Summer and Hollie, who are believed to be together, were reported missing on Wednesday evening
  
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• Moment Gateshead bomb hoaxer taped clock to petrol can outside shop as a 'stupid joke'

  26-02-2026 16:07 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  John Maughan, of Morpeth, caused residents to be evacuated and an army bomb disposal unit to be called to Birtley
  
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• What Ian Huntley is serving a life sentence for at 'monster mansion' HMP Frankland

  26-02-2026 15:55 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Killer Ian Huntley has been hospitalised after being attacked at HMP Frankland
  
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• Ian Huntley attack in HMP Frankland - key details

  26-02-2026 15:43 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The child killer was attacked by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland earlier today and is 'fighting for his life'
  
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• 'I served in same prison as Ian Huntley – what I witnessed was truly horrific'

  26-02-2026 15:38 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  A former inmate at HMP Frankland from Stanley, Durham, has detailed horrific violence inside the Category A prison where Soham killer Ian Huntley was left fighting for his life after a brutal attack
  
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• Rogue animal rescue centre uncovered as horrific scene of 40 dead pets

  26-02-2026 15:36 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Oaveed Rahman, 27, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to animals and fraud at Save A Paw rescue centre in Essex
  
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• Traitors star Rachel Duffy's heartbreak as mum dies just days after BBC show win

  26-02-2026 15:07 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Rachel Duffy was one of the standout stars of the hit BBC show Traitors, but just days after she was crowned the winner, she was met with the devastating news that her mother had passed away
  
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• Inside 'Monster Mansion' jail HMP Frankland where Ian Huntley left for dead

  26-02-2026 14:48 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Ian Huntley who is serving life sentences for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman was attacked at HMP Frankland this morning
  
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• Controversial Penshaw Monument café plans set for crunch council vote

  26-02-2026 14:38 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  A new café could be added to the site - but the plans are not straightforward
  
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• North East GP highlights 'invisible' unpaid carers after trip to meet the King

  26-02-2026 14:32 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  A top GP is pushing to highlight the hidden toll of being an unpaid carer - and has been honoured for her efforts with a royal visit.
  
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• 'Key sign' after NHS warning of 'second surge' in highly contagious vomiting bug

  26-02-2026 14:17 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  People are being given advice to reduce the spread
  
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• Year on since Gateshead Council classed kids in care as protected characteristic

  26-02-2026 14:15 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  A year on from acknowledging those with social care experience have a protected characteristic, Gateshead Council continues to attempt to level the playing field
  
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• Ian Huntley police statement in full as child killer attacked in HMP Frankland

  26-02-2026 13:51 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The child murderer was transported to hospital shortly before 10am after being attacked by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland
  
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• Ian Huntley prison attack LIVE: Updates as child killer suffers 'serious injuries' at HMP Frankland

  26-02-2026 13:31 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The notorious murderer was taken to hospital after he was attacked by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland in County Durham
  
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• Martin Lewis' money saving experts urge Tesco customers to do one thing before Saturday

  26-02-2026 12:55 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert team has issued a warning to Tesco Clubcard members to avoid losing out on savings
  
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• Child killer Ian Huntley 'fighting for life' after HMP Frankland prison attack

  26-02-2026 12:36 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Ian Huntley, 52, was attacked by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland in County Durham at around 9am and was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition
  
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• North East paedophile couple who committed sex offences against two children locked up

  26-02-2026 12:11 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Kieron Lewis, 33, and Rebecca Bowey, 25, were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court
  
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• Warning as six million people with savings in bank accounts urged to act now

  26-02-2026 12:07 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Over 6.5 million current accounts with balances above £10,000 are earning no interest, with experts warning savers risk losing money to inflation
  
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• Plans for a new housing estate in a North East village are approved despite 199 complaints

  26-02-2026 11:51 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Local residents submitted complaints about the plans which will see 70 new homes built in the village
  
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• Martin Lewis' team says you can save money on medicines by checking special code

  26-02-2026 11:24 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  All you need to do is check a nine-digit code on medication packs to ensure you're not paying more than you need to
  
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• Lloyds Bank confirms two bonus payments worth £700 for customers who qualify

  26-02-2026 11:07 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Lloyds says its latest range of cash offers are about giving people more choice and greater perks - here's more information
  
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• New £500 rule 'will make a big difference' to all UK homes

  26-02-2026 10:34 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  It begins on April 1, 2026
  
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• Man told Hull neighbour 'you will die tonight' before stabbing in row over music

  26-02-2026 10:09 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Peter Lesko, 48, from east Hull, stabbed his victim multiple times with a knife
  
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• Eight money changes coming in 2026 including DWP State Pension and energy bills

  26-02-2026 10:07 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Some changes will take effect from April this year and could have a major impact on household finances - here's what you need to know
  
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• North East man imported 5.6kg of Thai cannabis worth up to £168,000 in 'dried mango' parcel

  26-02-2026 09:19 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Josh Wharton pleaded guilty to drug importation and supply offences at Teesside Magistrates' Court and was given a suspended sentence
  
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• Iceland responds to spelling blunder on North East shop front after refurb

  26-02-2026 08:49 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  Iceland supermarket teamed up with Specsavers for a humorous social media post after the Cleveland Centre store sign misspelled Middlesbrough as 'Middlesborough'
  
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• Diet change after turning 45 can add three years to your life, study finds

  26-02-2026 06:00 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  New research has shown that changing diet in your 40s can still add years to your life
  
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• DVSA driving test update on changes happening next month

  26-02-2026 05:44 via chroniclelive.co.uk
  
  The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced new rules - here is what you need to know
  
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