Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each morning and afternoon we'll bring you some of the latest news from the North East - from breaking news and top stories to NUFC updates and the cost of living latest.
Today, we bring you news that Newcastle United's capacity could be boosted, Vans and North Face close in Newcastle city centre and news that investigators have said that there are "strong indications" that Vladimir Putin supplied the missile system used to shoot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
This is your Wednesday morning briefing on all the latest from across the North East.
Newcastle United capacity could be boosted after Saudi owners buy back land Mike Ashley sold in 2019
Our sports reporter Lee Ryder brought us the news that Newcastle United have secured the land behind St James' Park back after Mike Ashley sold it in 2019. ChronicleLive understands that the club's Saudi-backed consortium have been in talks since the early days of the takeover to reclaim the old land in Strawberry Place. Whether it will be the first stages of increasing the 52,300 capacity remains to be seen.
Early plans for the reclaimed land are yet to be announced by the club but it has been reported that it could be turned into a fan zone. Increasing the capacity of the Gallowgate End has always been described as a structural challenge due to the foundations of the Metro station beneath it.
Read the full story and learn more about the plans here
Vans and North Face close in Newcastle city centre but one brand hints at revamped store
Next up, Newcastle city centre reporter Sophie Brownson revealed that Vans has closed for good on Blackett Street just five years after opening in the city centre. The American brand, which sells skateboarding shoes and clothing has not given any indication of whether it will open another outlet in the city.
Meanwhile, fellow American brand The North Face, which sits next door to Vans on Blackett Street, has also closed. However, the retailer which sells outdoor clothing, shoes and equipment, has indicated that it is only shut down temporarily.
MH17: 'Strong indications' Vladimir Putin supplied missile used to shoot down flight
Next up we have the news that investigators have said that there are "strong indications" that Vladimir Putin supplied the missile system used to shoot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
The international team of investigators suspended their probe into the tragedy on Wednesday, saying that they have insufficient evidence to launch any fresh prosecutions. It comes after three people, two from Russia and one from Ukraine, were convicted of murder for their roles in shooting down the Boeing 777 that was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014.
Russia has always denied its involvement, with the Russian Foreign Ministry accusing the Dutch court in November of bowing to pressure from Dutch politicians, prosecutors and the media. However, the convictions in November held that in 2014 Moscow was in overall control over the separatist area of eastern Ukraine where the missile was launched from.
The Joint Investigation Team is made up of experts from the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine. Dutch prosecutor Digna van Boetzelaer said "the investigation has now reached its limit" and that "all leads have been exhausted" as the team laid out their evidence.
Investigators added: "Although a lot of new information has been discovered about various people involved, the evidence is at the moment not concrete enough to lead to new prosecutions."
Read next:
- Northumberland County Council supporting staff and pupils after death of Holly Newton in Hexham
- Holly Newton 'stabbing': Boy injured in alleged attack in Hexham is discharged from hospital
- Then and Now: The Northumberland pub featured in a classic TV episode of the Likely Lads
- Police probe launched after man asks two children to get into his car in Ponteland
- Berwick town centre like 'ghost town' as big name retailer prepares to shut
