Man charged with witness intimidation and GBH after incident leaves three people with serious injuries

The incident happened at a flat in Exmouth Street, Carley Hill, Sunderland, on Wednesday, March 23, at approximately 7.30pm.

One man and two women suffered injuries during the incident.

All three were taken to hospital and the two women, aged 25 and 49, were released following treatment. A man aged 58 is in a critical condition in Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Following enquiries officers have located and arrested a 30-year-old man. Anthony Taggart of Sunderland is charged with two counts of GBH, two counts of ABH and one count of witness intimidation.

Neighbours said the incident took place in the block of flats at the southern end of Exmouth Street.

One woman who lives in the street said she had been at home at the time, but did not see or hear anything.

She said: "It was in the flats down the end so we didn't hear anything. The first we knew about it was when we got a leaflet through the door from Northumbria Police."

Another neighbour said they had seen a police car, but that the area was "normally quiet".

Mr Taggart was due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates Court this morning. Police say they have no further information.