Sledgehammer-wielding burglary suspects arrested following police chase after fight broke out in Sunderland

Detectives at Durham Constabulary are investigating a burglary where two suspects are believed to have used a sledgehammer to break into a flat in Fredrick Street, Seaham, shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 14.

After using the sledgehammer to cause damage inside the property, they fled the scene in a black Volkswagen Golf.

Fifteen hours later, Northumbria Police were called to a fight which had broke out in the Concorde Square area, New Silksworth, Sunderland.

When officers attended the scene those involved got into a black VW Golf and drove off.

The suspects led police on a ‘short pursuit’ but were brought to a stop near Silksworth Lane after trying to ram a police car and a member of the public’s vehicle.

Two men – aged 29 and 22 – were then arrested in connection with an aggravated burglary which took place in Seaham.

The driver, the 29-year-old, was also arrested for dangerous driving.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “We are investigating a burglary that took place at a flat in Frederick Street, in Seaham, at around 12.25pm yesterday (April 14).

“Two suspects used a sledgehammer to gain entry to the flat before using it to damage property inside.

“They then made off from the scene in a black Volkswagen Golf.”

A spokesman for Northumbria Police added: “At about 3.45pm on Tuesday police received a report of a fight in the Concorde Square area of Sunderland.

“Officers attended the scene but those involved got into a black VW Golf and drove away from the scene.

“A short pursuit ensued before the car was stopped near to Silksworth Lake after attempting to ram a police car and a member of the public's vehicle. Thankfully nobody was injured.

“The 29-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested for dangerous driving but he was also arrested in connection with an aggravated burglary that took place in the Durham area.

“A 22-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the burglary offence.”

Inquiries into both offences continue.

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