Men charged and others arrested after police discover firearm and suspected heroin in Hartlepool

Police executing three warrants in the Burn Valley area of the town made the discovery on Friday, with the firearm found at one of two addresses searched on Oxford Road. Another address was also searched on Rugby Street.

A 37-year-old man and a 39-year-old man were charged with possession of a firearm. Both appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Saturday.

A woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug, believed to be heroin.

Another male was arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions and he has been remanded to court.

Sergeant Brian Rooney, from Hartlepool Integrated Neighbourhood Team, said: “Police take all information received regarding drugs activity extremely seriously and will take enforcement action against those who deal in drugs.

“By taking a firearm out of circulation, we have removed a weapon which has the potential to prove fatal, from the streets of Hartlepool.

“Anyone who may have information regarding anyone dealing in drugs in the local community is asked to contact police on 101 or the Community Drugs Enforcement Team on 0800 929 702.”