Man found on A66 with penis cut off put in induced coma

13 Mar 2014 17:55

A man found staggering on the A66 after his penis was chopped off has been put into an induced coma

View gallery

Man assaulted on A66

View gallery

A man found staggering on the A66 after his penis was chopped off has been put into a coma.

Cleveland Police have confirmed that the victim has been put into an induced coma after the incident earlier today.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the attack in the South Bank area.

Officers were called at 4.50am to a report of concern for man who was seen on the A66 carriageway in a distressed state.

The man was found to have serious injuries to his genitals and was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery.

Police believe they have identified the man as a 40-year-old from the South Bank area of Cleveland.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police can confirm that the man found this morning on the A66 had wounds to his groin area.

“A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault but has now been bailed.

“Officers are continuing to investigate and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.”

The incident led to the closure of the A66 westbound from Greystone Roundabout to Church Lane.

The A66 was cordoned off by police from South Bank near Asda to the Grangetown roundabout heading towards Middlesbrough.

Each junction between the two points on the A66 had police cars or vans parked to cordon the road and police tape sectioned off an area at the South Bank end of the stretch of road.

Several police officers were seen combing the grass verge alongside the A66 just past Asda supermarket in South Bank.

A police spokeswoman said: “The road closures were required as part of the investigation into how the man received his injuries.

“This is necessary so that officers can look for anything which may shed light on how he became injured or his direction of travel.

“If the road was not closed any evidence could be lost or destroyed.”

“Investigations are at a very early stage; however road closures will be lifted as soon as possible.”

Enquires are ongoing.

All road closures were later lifted.

Anyone with information which may help the investigation is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.

The day's news in pictures: March 13 2014

13 Mar 2014 17:03

The day’s biggest stories from the UK and around the world in pictures

Princess Diana

Princess Diana leaked information about the Prince of Wales to “an ally” in the press in order to “take on” her estranged husband, former News of the World reporter Clive Goodman told the phone hacking trial.

Goodman said Diana, who separated from her husband in 1992 after 11 years of marriage, passed him information relating to the royal household and staff in an envelope sent to his office in Wapping.

The Prince of Wales was among more than 2,000 of the great and good from entertainment, politics and royalty packing Westminster Abbey today to pay tribute to late broadcaster Sir David Frost.

Figures such as Sir Michael Parkinson, Rowan Atkinson and Sir Michael Caine were among the congregation at a memorial service to celebrate the well-connected presenter, interviewer and satirist whose TV career spanned five decades and famously hosted parties in which the invitation list looked like a “who’s who”.

View gallery

The day's news in pictures: March 13 2014

View gallery

Teesside's unsolved crimes: Trevor Metcalfe's killer remains at large 25 years on

13 Mar 2014 14:50

For more than 25 years the killer of Trevor Metcalfe has remained at large. Crime Reporter Sophie Barley revisits the investigation and looks at how it has progressed

View gallery

Trevor Metcalfe

View gallery

Trevor Metcalfe was a defenceless man beaten to death on a Teesside playing field.

The Middlesbrough dad was described by police as “anti-social in his behaviour” and had an addiction to solvents.

For decades police have tried to piece together Mr Metcalfe’s last movements. There have been numerous appeals over the years but no one has ever been prosecuted.

It was Saturday, September 16, 1989, when Mr Metcalfe’s battered body was discovered at Dormanstown recreation ground.

A post-mortem examination showed that he had died from a brain haemorrhage after suffering severe head injuries consistent with a beating.

No weapon is believed to have been used. Police described the killing as a “vicious attack without any apparent motive”.

It is known that Mr Metcalfe who had no fixed abode but had previously lived in Rowan Road, Thorntree, and Marton Road in Middlesbrough, bought his final supply of solvents from the Great Mills Superstore in Skippers Lane, South Bank at 7.30pm on September 15.

He then boarded a bus after paying 25p for a ticket and at about 8pm he was seen at the bus stop opposite the Magnet Pub in Grangetown.

Nothing more is known by police until 11.45pm when an elderly witness spotted two men fighting in Dormanstown recreation ground.

One of the men fitted Mr Metcalfe’s description while the other was said to be taller.

Police remained puzzled as to the reason Mr Metcalfe travelled to Dormanstown that evening and they believed this information was the vital clue they needed to find his killer.

At the time of the murder, Detective Inspector Brian Temke said: “If we could find out why he went to Dormanstown it could answer a lot of questions for us.

“Did he know someone? Did he meet someone who he upset?”

Over the years fresh appeals were made and in September 1998 police thought a breakthrough had been made when they received an anonymous letter.

Printed in blue ink on a foolscap sheet of grey-lined paper, the letter was posted in Cleveland but was anonymous.

It began: “How saddened I am to hear on TV that you have had no help with your appeal for clues tot he Trevor Metcalf (sic) murder.

“My conscience is telling me that I may be able to help you or maybe not, but I am going to reveal to you what I was told some years ago.”

The rest of the information was withheld by detectives in the hope the writer would come forward.

Mr Metcalfe’s addiction to solvents is believed to have started following the death of his mother Brenda.

Mr Metcalfe watched in horror as his mother drown in Redcar, eight years before his death.

It is believed the tragic death left Mr Metcalfe scarred for life.

In 2010 police revealed that they were following new lines of inquiry into the unsolved case but no charges were made.

Also read:

:: Teesside's unsolved crimes: Rachel Wilson murder still a mystery twelve years on

:: Teesside's unsolved crimes: The murder of Darren Manders

:: Teesside's unsolved crimes: The murder of Tina Bell

Teesside technologies company Stadium Group is back on the acquisition trail

13 Mar 2014 10:50

Restructuring changes at the group prompted the board to shelve acquisition activities in the second half of 2013 - a move it is now reversing

Teesside technologies company Stadium Group is back on the acquisition trail after seeing sales rise 3% to £42.2m, driven by revenues from a firm it bought out in 2012.

The global electronics firm, which employs around 1,000 people, consists of three core business strands – power products, interface and displays, and Integrated Electronic Manufacturing Services (iEMS), the latter of which is mainly controlled from its Hartlepool HQ.

Last year revenues grew to £42.22m, a rise of 3% on 2012, taking into effect the full year of sales from the interface and displays business IGT which it acquired in September 2012.

On a like-for-like basis, sales were down by 4.4% but interface and displays grew by around 40% in the second half of the year on a comparative basis.

Restructuring changes at the group prompted the board to shelve acquisition activities in the second half of 2013 – a move it is now reversing.

Pre-tax profits fell by more than £1.3m to £430,000 for the year to December 31, 2013, a fall on the previous year’s result of £1.77m, but the business said the figures were mainly affected by restructuring costs of more than £1m.

Chairman Nick Brayshaw described 2013 as a “transformational year” and said the iEMS business has undergone significant organisational change both in its UK and Asia operations, following the board’s decision to close the Rugby manufacturing site at the end of 2012 and focus the iEMS business in Hartlepool. At the same time Stadium Asia consolidated its trading activities into mainland China from Hong Kong.

Several senior managers were also recruited to strengthen the leadership team during the period.

Mr Brayshaw said: “2013 has been a transformational year for the group. Despite the challenges caused by this level of change management in the business as well as the challenging trading conditions, the group delivered a resilient performance in the year.

“The group is now in a much stronger position to capitalise on the strategic objectives.

“Given the level of organisational change in the business the board decided in the second half of the year to place acquisition activities on hold. The group has since re-activated the process and remains committed to pursuing suitable targets measured against our specific acquisition criteria.

“We have made a solid start to the new financial year, demonstrating the benefits from our self-help and restructuring activities.”

'Do you still use this word - doyle? We need to keep it alive': Film star Charlotte Riley Skype-calls Acklam Grange students

13 Mar 2014 10:15

Wuthering Heights star Charlotte Riley, who hails from Grindon, Thorpe Thewles, answered questions from Acklam Grange School

Acklam Grange pupils take part in their Skype session with Charlotte Riley

The sparkle of Hollywood came to a Middlesbrough school when pupils got the chance to interview a movie star.

There was no need for a red carpet for local lass Charlotte Riley as she Skype-called students at Acklam Grange School to answer their questions.

Waiting nervously for the Wuthering Heights star’s call were students taking part in the school’s BBC News Day on March 27 when students get to experience the world of journalism.

But any tension evaporated when the former Teesside High pupil’s smiling face projected onto a screen and she asked: “What’s the weather like in Middlesbrough?"

The students then asked a range of intelligent and quirky questions.

Charlotte Sutton asked: “It’s just been International Women’s Day, who inspires you?

Charlotte, 32, said: “It’s easy to pick people on the international stage but women quite close to home inspire me.

“My mum, she’s not been very well with cancer and when you see someone deal with their own mortality it can be very inspiring.

“And Cate Blanchett, she does a great deal for women in our industry - So people close to home and then Cate Blanchett.”

Talking about her Teesside roots Charlotte, who hails from Grindon, Thorpe Thewles, said: “Just being around northerners, I love it.

“I heard a really northern word today. Do you still use this word - doyle? We need to keep it alive.

“I do like a parmo but I’m more of a fan of a London Pizza with loads of garlic sauce, obviously.”

And on working with Tom Cruise in the upcoming film, Edge of Tomorrow, she said: “I think you get a preconception that they are like aliens but they’re just normal guys .”

View gallery

Charlotte Riley at Acklam Grange School

View gallery

And when asked about being engaged to Dark Knight Rises star Tom Hardy, Charlotte laughed and said: “To me he’s just Tom. I don’t go around saying ‘Hi Tom Hardy can I have a cup of tea?’

Charlotte offered the students advice and said: “If you’re going to dream, dream big.

“You just have to believe in yourself and believe in being you.

After the interview, Student Lorna Davison, 15, said: “It’s amazing to have that opportunity to talk to a Hollywood star. They’re portrayed as big divas but she’s just normal.

Charlotte Sutton, 15, said: “I thought it was great talking to someone who’s made it from Boro.

Joe Ramsey, 15, said: “It was like talking to someone I knew, it’s inspiring to know we can do the same.

Read the latest edition of the Evening Gazette's Homemaker

Chris was appointed editor of the Evening Gazette in January 2012. He is also a former Gazette news editor. Chris has more than 20 years experience as a journalist and has previously worked in senior positions in Newcastle, Exeter and Nottingham.

Man found in distressed state on A66 leads to road closures to preserve possible crime scene

13 Mar 2014 09:30

Commuters faced traffic chaos as road closures were required as part of the investigation into how the man received his injuries

Incident led to the closure of the A66 Westbound from Greystone Roundabout to Chruch Lane

The discovery of an injured man found in a distressed state on the A66 has led to road closures by police to preserve a possible crime scene.

Police were called at 4:50am to a report of concern for man who was seen on the A66 carriage way in a distressed state.

On police arrival the man was found to have injuries and was taken to hospital.

The incident led to the closure of the A66 Westbound from Greystone Roundabout to Chruch Lane.

A police spokeswoman said that the road closures were required as part of the investigation into how the man received his injuries.

Enquires are ongoing.

Ben Gibson aims to start another run of blanks as Boro defensive improvement sneaks under radar

13 Mar 2014 09:10

Battling Ben Gibson insists the Boro rigid rear-guard will be aiming to start another run of blanks at Bournemouth on Saturday

Ben Gibson

Boro's dramatic defensive improvement has sneaked under the radar.

With the focus on the now broken goal drought, the back four’s upturn has escaped attention.

A late leveller against Forest denied Boro a club record eighth successive shut-out at home. But battling Ben Gibson insists the rigid rear-guard will be aiming to start another run of blanks at Bournemouth on Saturday.

“With everyone talking about the lack of goals, us closing in on that clean sheet record maybe went under the radar a little bit but we don’t mind that,” said the solid stopper. “We just get on with it.

“It was a long run without conceding. What was it? Almost 12 hours. That’s good. That’s doing your job properly.

“As a defender every game you want to keep a clean sheet so yes, it was disappointing not to get that record. But we will try to improve and start again to build another run beginning at Bournemouth.”

View gallery

Gallery: Ben Gibson

View gallery

Before Darius Henderson’s controversial ‘handball’ goal, Boro had gone 11 hours and 54 minutes without leaking at the Riverside, a run that goes back to the mid-December 1-0 defeat to Brighton.

It was also the first goal conceded in open play - home or away - since losing to leaders Leicester in January.

And, insists Gibson, the watertight record is not about individuals but more deep seated change.

“We have defended really well as a unit and as a team,” he said. “But it hasn’t been a set defence of four.

“There have been a lot of different partnerships, you’ve got to include Rhys (Williams), Woody (Jonathan Woodgate), myself, Kenneth (Omeruo), Dani (Ayala) and whoever has played at centre-half has done really well.

“The defence is settled now into a shape and mentality that seems to work well no matter who plays.

“But that hasn’t just come from the back four - it is the whole team, it is Danny (Graham) and the wingers and whoever plays up front closing down right up the field and hard work right through the team. We’ve done a lot of work in training on the shape and the tempo and now we are reaping the rewards,”

But it hasn’t always been like that, admits Gibson. Earlier in the season the defence was under the spotlight for different reasons.

“We were scoring but conceding a lot of goals early on and then people were looking closely at the defence,” he recalled. “Look at the Bournemouth home game, that was probably a low point for us lads at the back.

“We gave away two penalties in first 12 minutes. We were two down and they hadn’t had a shot.

“I was on the bench waiting and it was crazy game. And to be fair, there have been a few games where we conceded goals were not happy with but we feel we’ve put that behind us now.

“It will be a very different team that plays Bournemouth. The personnel may be similar but the set-up and approach will be very, very different.

“We are happier now because we know if we keep clean sheets, then nick a goal you have a chance of winning the game. If you’ve got to score three goals to win a game you make it much more difficult.”

Live: Breaking news, traffic and travel across Teesside

The Evening Gazette's live breaking news blog brings you regular updates, pictures, video, tweets and comments covering the latest Teesside and North Yorkshire traffic, travel, weather, crime and council news for today, Thursday 13 March, 2014.

You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below, and you can also tweet us @EveningGazette to share breaking news stories, pictures and opinions.

Our Teesside breaking news live blog begins at 07:00am every weekday and is updated throughout the day and into the evening.