Men remanded by court as they face charges relating to double early-hours ram raids in Sunderland

Two men have appeared before court for the first time after they were charged following two early morning ram raid incidents on Sunderland shops.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 11th Mar 2021, 17:29 BST

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Louis Johnson, 30, of Marley Crescent, Marley Pots, and Michael Pemberton, 37, of Edward Burdis Street, Southwick, have been charged with conspiracy to commit theft.

They appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court earlier today, Thursday, March 11, with both remanded to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, April 8.

Police inquiries began shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday, March 9, when officers received a report of a break-in at the Harbour View petrol station on Dame Dorothy Street in Roker.

Damage to the front of One Stop shop in Silksworth following the ram raid.

Damage to the front of One Stop shop in Silksworth following the ram raid.

Northumbria Police used stop and search on thousands of people during lockdown l...

Offenders had driven into the shutters and took a number of items before driving off in a car.

Less that 45 minutes later, Northumbria Police received information about a similar incident at the One Stop shop in Blind Lane, Silksworth.

Inquiries led police to an abandoned vehicle close to Sunderland Civic Centre, and two men were arrested.

Harbour View Service Station in Dame Dorothy Street, Roker, was one of two businesses targeted.

Harbour View Service Station in Dame Dorothy Street, Roker, was one of two businesses targeted.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.