Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each morning and lunchtime 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 scammers posed as a children's charity to sell fake tickets for Carabao Cup final. We also reported on how more than 100 most wanted fugitives arrested within weeks in huge Northumbria Police operation, as well as news that a paedophile is back behind bars for historic indecent assault on boy he plied with booze.
This is your Thursday morning briefing on all the latest from across the North East.
Sick scammers pose as children's charity to sell fake tickets for Carabao Cup final for £800
First up, our reporter Daniel Hall reported on how shameless scammers have posed as a children's charity to con Newcastle fans out of their hard earned cash ahead of the Carabao Cup final. A fake Twitter account has attempted to capitalise on this by charging £800 for a pair of tickets, saying that a couple need the money to take care of their sick triplets.
On closer inspection, the account was set up in February 2023 and there are a number of clear indicators that it is not affiliated with The Sick Children's Trust, a real charity based in London, who say they are "horrified" that scammers are using their name.
A spokesperson from the Sick Children's Trust said: "The Sick Children's Trust is deeply alarmed that our charity is being impersonated on Twitter. We are horrified that the stories and images of real families, who were supported by us at the most difficult times of their lives, are being used to deceive for financial gain.
"We are doing everything in our power to get this Twitter page shut down and sincerely hope that nobody has been exploited by this attempted deception. We are deeply concerned about this situation and have reported it to the appropriate authorities."
ChronicleLive engaged with and reported the fake Twitter account before being blocked.
More than 100 most wanted fugitives arrested within weeks in huge Northumbria Police operation
Next up we have the news that more than 100 most wanted fugitives have been arrested over the last five weeks as part of a major police operation. Officers from Northumbria's operations department carried out a series of coordinated strikes across the North East to locate wanted suspects who have been trying to lay low.
In January, they arrested 108 fugitives across the region who were each wanted in connection with a range of offences including domestic violence, burglary and dangerous driving.
The department includes the force’s motor patrols and Operation Dragoon teams, firearms support unit, dog and mounted sections as well as dedicated Metro, airport and marine officers. During January, more than 50 suspected stolen vehicles were also recovered.
Paedophile back behind bars for historic indecent assault on boy he plied with booze
A paedophile who was only recently released from a lengthy prison sentence for raping a child has once again been put behind bars.
In 2017, Wayne Burnham was given a 12 year prison sentence for raping a teenage boy who he had given alcohol and drugs to. After serving six years of his sentence, the former judo instructor was released, but after regaining his freedom his past once again caught up with him.
On Tuesday, the 56-year-old - whose last address was HMP Risley in Cheshire - was hauled back in front of a judge at Durham Crown Court for committing an indecent assault on a boy in the Langley Park area of County Durham around 20 years ago.
Sentencing Burnham, Judge James Adkin jailed him for two years. Burnham remains on the sex offenders' register for life.
Sunderland bow out of FA Cup after thrilling fourth round replay against Fulham on Wearside
Sunderland's FA Cup adventure has ended at the fourth round stage after they lost a thrilling fourth round replay against Fulham at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats were bidding for the right to face Leeds United in the last 16 of the competition, 50 years after their famous triumph against the Yorkshire club at Wembley.
But, after securing a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage against Premier League Fulham in the initial tie, Sunderland lost out on home turf. Harry Wilson scored early for the Londoners, with sub Andreas Pereira adding a second on the hour.
Jack Clarke halved the deficit with just over ten minutes to go, but Layvin Kurzawa restored Fulham's two-goal advantage shortly afterward. Sunderland sub Jewison Bennette made it 3-2 near the end, but it was just not quite enough for Tony Mowbray's men.
For the full report and analysis click here
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
