Police make 45 arrests in domestic abuse crackdown

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More than 40 people have been arrested during an operation targeting domestic abuse suspects.  

Operation Sunrise saw dedicated teams of officers deployed across County Durham and Darlington to track, locate, and arrest individuals wanted for domestic abuse offences. 

During the operation, which took place over two weeks starting on June 1, 45 people were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including rape, stalking, controlling and coercive behaviour, and breaches of restraining orders.  

They included: 

• A 58-year-old old man from Houghton-le-Spring who was arrested on suspicion of harassment after he allegedly breached a restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex-wife. He was charged with the offence and remanded in custody to appear at Durham Crown Court on July 2.
• A 37-year-old man from Ferryhill who was arrested and charged with intentional strangulation, making threats to kill, and threatening a person with an offensive weapon. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Durham Crown Court on July 13.
• A 53-year-old man from Trimdon Station who was arrested on suspicion of rape. He was interviewed by officers and released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.
• An 18-year-old man from Washington who was arrested on suspicion of several rapes. He was released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.
• A 54-year-old man from Shotton Colliery who was arrested on suspicion of rape and stalking. He was released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.

Five of those arrested were also drug tested on arrest due to suspicions that their offending was linked to drug use. Of those, four tested positive for cocaine, while one refused the test. 

Inspector Adam Norris, who led the operation, said: “Our role as police officers is to protect vulnerable people and help keep them safe from harm, and we will use all powers available to us. 

“This operation targeted outstanding suspects of domestic abuse and those we believe are responsible for recent domestic abuse against their partners, ex-partners, and family members. 

“By concentrating resources on outstanding suspects, we can take safeguarding action, speed up investigations, and help deliver improved outcomes for victims. 

“Domestic abuse in any form is unacceptable – everyone deserves to feel safe; nobody should have to suffer at the hands of another. 

“If you or someone you know is suffering domestic abuse, please tell us - call 101, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.” 

Reports can also be made online at www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/  

If you don’t want to speak to the police, there are other helplines available:   

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
• Local charity, Harbour, is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25. 
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected] or visit www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk 

The above services support both men and women.