Neighbours speak of nightmare after spate of crimes on Southwick Street

One resident police are now regularly patrolling the area after a series of incidents involving violence and criminal damage.

The neighbour, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “All I want is peace and quiet.

“The police are visiting here 24 hours a day, it’s so serious.

“I want to be able to open my door and for friends to be able to say hello to each other, but at the moment, it’s horrendous.”

Northumbria Police confirmed on Thursday April 16 that an investigation had been launched after bikers threw paint at a house on the troubled Sunderland Street. .

It is believed four men on two motorbikes threw black paint over the front of a house before riding off.

Police say they will look at whether there is a link with other disorder in Ridley Street in Southwick as part of the investigation into the damage

The attack happened a week after a mass brawl broke out in the street, leading to violence, damage and car fires.

Three men and a woman have been charged in connection with that incident.

A police spokesperson said: “At about 9.45pm on Easter Sunday, police received a report of criminal damage to a property in Ridley Street in the Southwick area of Sunderland.

“Inquiries to identify those involved are ongoing but anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could assist police, is asked to report it on the Northumbria Police website by quoting log 1118 12/04/20.

“We will investigate whether there is any link with previous reports of disorder on Ridley Street and will continue to keep an open mind as our investigation progresses.”

David Clark, 35, his partner Leigh Coulson, 31, both of Gordon Terrace, Shaun McGregor, 31, of Beechwood Crescent, Marley Pots, and Luke Owen, 33, of Beatty Avenue, Town End Farm, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court last week to face charges in connection with the alleged street disorder on Sunday, April 5.

They will next appear before Newcastle Crown Court on May 5.

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