Man charged after attack near munitions factory

Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, police were informed a man had been attacked on Birtley Road in Rickleton near to the BAE Systems factory in the Wear Industrial Estate.

The 58-year-old man was taken to hospital where he is still being treated in hospital for a serious but not life-threatening injury.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and police have today charged Gordon Carter, 31, of Farrier Close, in Fatfield, Washington, in connection with the incident.

He will appear before magistrates sitting at Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow morning.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw a dark coloured Ford Fiesta motor vehicle in the area at that time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 762 08/02/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.