Aitor Karanka: Boro players have time to impress, just like Richie Smallwood

Boro boss says: 'There is always time for players to impress. If they are not in the team they can impress in training every day'

Boro are keeping midfielder Richie Smallwood at the club after he has impressed on loan at Rotherham - and Aitor Karanka says other players have time to impress and secure their futures.

Smallwood, 23, quickly established himself in South Yorkshire, and has made 16 appearances for the League One club since switching in January. So now Boro have activated a one-year option he had on his Riverside contract.

And Boro boss Karanka urged others who have not been Boro regulars to pull out all the stops to extend their time with the club.

“There is always time for players to impress. If they are not in the team they can impress in training every day,” he said. “I need to know the players 100%. They have to do their job.

“We need to finish off this season and then make decisions. Maybe some don’t want to be here. Let’s try and win our last four games and then we’ll see.”

Dimi Konstantopoulos has made the goalkeeping shirt his own and Karanka cites him as another example to learn from.

“Dimi can inspire others,” he said. “He might have been disappointed when Shay Given came in because he was already here. Also when Tomas Mejias came. But Dimi kept on working in the same way, training very well every day.”

Beef found in nearly half of lamb curries in Teesside takeaways

41% of 29 takeaways sold as lamb found to contain beef in investigation by Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers

Beef has been substituted for lamb in nearly half of local curry takeaways, a survey has revealed.

Local businesses are being warned that if they are found guilty of this practice they can be fined up to £5,000 per offence.

The investigation by Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers from five local authorities including Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland was carried out as part of the Food Standards Agency’s national food sampling programme.

Officers made anonymous purchases from takeaways across the region to check what meat had been used.

When the meals were analysed by West Yorkshire Analytical Services, 41% of the 29 takeaways sold as lamb were found to contain beef.

Speaking on behalf of the five local authorities - which included Darlington and Hartlepool - Middlesbrough Council’s environmental health manager Judith Hedgley said: “Our findings are consistent with those reported nationally by the Food Standards Agency.

“This is clearly a matter for concern as consumers are being misled as to the true nature of the food they are buying.”

The five councils are planning further work to identify potential food fraud activities.

Appropriate action will be taken against the owners of businesses who are found to have deliberately substituted beef for lamb, which is an offence under the Food Safety Act 1990.

Businesses may be tempted to use beef instead of lamb as lamb is generally more expensive.

The local authorities are warning local food businesses to ensure the food they serve to their customers is correctly described on menus and its composition meets legal standards.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “By working together with the Food Standards Agency and colleagues in Environmental Health and Trading Standards across Teesside, a local, regional and national food fraud has been identified and steps are being taken to protect the interests of consumers.”

Steven Goldswain, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Three out of four of the samples sold as lamb curry in Redcar and Cleveland were found to contain beef. This is clearly a matter for concern as consumers are either deliberately or inadvertently being misled.

“Businesses that engage in this sort of practice, where one foodstuff is replaced by another to increase profits, are acting contrary to the laws on fair trade and consumer protection.”

Humanitarian aid convoy heads to besieged Gaza Strip

An international humanitarian convoy known as “Miles of Smiles 26” has headed toward the besieged Gaza Strip to break the blockade imposed on Palestinians by the Israeli regime.

According to a government committee in charge of breaking the siege in Gaza, the human rights solidarity convoy is scheduled to reach the coastal strip on Sunday, April 20, through the Rafah crossing.

The convoy includes over 30 activists from Arab and European countries.

The deputy chairman of the committee, Aladdin al-Battah, said the convoy will be taking humanitarian aid and medical materials to hospitals in Gaza.

On January 8, the “Miles of Smiles 24″ arrived in the besieged area through the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt. Only seven of the 127 activists were allowed into Gaza.

Over the past few years, the Miles of Smiles convoy has delivered humanitarian supplies to Palestinians in the impoverished region, defying the Israeli blockade.

Since the December 2008-January 2009 war that Israel imposed on Gaza, several convoys have successfully managed to break the Israeli blockade.

The Gaza Strip has been suffering under an all-out land, aerial, and naval blockade imposed by the Israeli regime since 2007.

The siege has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the enclave, turning the territory into the world’s largest open-air prison.

Tel Aviv denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights such as freedom of movement, access to jobs that pay proper wages, adequate healthcare, and education.

SZH/AB/SS

Egypt police attack students at al-Azhar University

Egyptian riot police have attacked supporters of ousted president, Mohamed Morsi, at Cairo’s al-Azhar University.

Security forces used buckshot and tear gas to disperse the protesters at the university, which has been a common site of unrest in recent months.

Dozens of protesting students were injured and several others bussed to detention centers.

Spokesmen for student protesters have claimed security forces fired live rounds at them.

Violent clashes have been also reported in other universities in the cities of Zagazig and Asyut.

Armed men under the protection of security forces have reportedly attacked the protesters, causing injuries.

The fierce clashes at university campuses have been the latest in a new wave of bloody crackdown against anti-military students.

Also on Wednesday, an Egyptian court sentenced nearly 120 supporters of Muslim Brotherhood to three years in jail each.

The latest developments come after Egypt’s former defense minister, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, officially submitted his bid to run for president.

Sisi led the overthrow of Morsi, suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament in July last year. He is also accused of leading a severe crackdown against the supporters of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Egyptian military-installed interim officials have mounted a heavy-handed crackdown on Morsi supporters and members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

JR/AB/SS

Toffee model’ beneficiaries funding Modi’s campaign: Rahul Gandhi

PUNE: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday harped on the ‘pro-rich toffee model of development’ in Gujarat and said industrialists who had reaped its benefit were funding Narendra Modi’s expensive election campaign.

“He is spending about Rs 10 crore on each public meeting. There are advertisements in newspapers. Where is this money coming from? Those who have gained from the toffee model are funding this marketing,” Rahul said. He was addressing a rally in Pune in support of party nominee Vishwajeet Kadam on the last day of the election campaign for the Lok Sabha constituencies in the sugar belt of western Maharashtra. These constituencies are scheduled to go to polls on April 17.

Rahul reiterated that Modi has given land of Aurangabad’s size, around 45,000 acres, for a mere Rs 300 crore to Adanis. He also said Gujarat government has given away sea beach stretch equal to Mumbai’s total beach line to an individual at a price of Rs 33 crore. “The Gujarat government has given Rs 10,000 crore to the Tata Group for the Nano factory with just one per cent interest rate,” he added.

Accusing Modi of claiming the credit for the work done by the people of Gujarat, Rahul said, “He (Modi) wants to be the chowkidar of the country. He was made the chowkidar of Gujarat and we can see what has happened to that state.”

The Congress vice president said that the Gujarat government should have invested in education and health. “About 40 lakh people in Gujarat are living below poverty line and one of every two children is hungry. People are yearning for water in Gujarat. Despite of this, the toffee model money is flowing in for marketing,” said Rahul.

Congress vice president invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and compared BJP’s ideology with that of Nathuram Godse, who killed Gandhi. “Only love and affection for everyone can take this country forward. However, there is second ideology—ideology of Godse, which is full of hatred and anger for others. Godse killed Gandhi because he could not kill his thoughts. Gandhi’s ideology is our ideology” Rahul said.

Rahul said that earlier LK Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to discuss various issues openly; now only one person in the BJP was in-charge of everything. He claimed that the BJP has copied Congress party’s election manifesto. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Manikrao Thakre were among those present for the meeting.

Rahul promises speedy metro work and slum free Pune

Rahul Gandhi said that Congress candidate Vishwajeet Kadam will facilitate development of the city by speeding up the execution of the slum rehabilitation schemes and the metro project. “I want to assure Pune people that Congress party will eradicate slums and also solve the city’s infrastructure problems. We will speed up completion of metro project. We plan to connect Pune to other major cities in India by road network and a new railway line. Pune is already a manufacturing centre and we will focus on making it more compatible.”

We cannot count on Muslims to rescue the Aqsa mosque

Fathy Al-Qarawy, a leader in the Palestinian movement Hamas in the West Bank, expressed his pessimism regarding Arab and Islamic role in rescuing holy Islamic sites from Israeli assaults.

In statements to Quds Net news agency, Al-Qarawy said that the Aqsa mosque “is facing the ugliest systematic campaign” by Israeli authorities, and that neither Arabs nor Muslims have moved properly to save the mosque from Israeli violations.

“The failure of Arabs and Muslims to save Islamic holy places provides a cover for occupation to continue its aggression and violation of sanctities inside the Aqsa Mosque and attacking its worshippers,” he said.

“What is needed now is the unity of Palestinians vis-à-vis the occupation and its racist plans which target the blessed Aqsa mosque,” Al-Qarawy stressed.

He added that steps should be taken to lift the cover from occupation forces, confront their attacks and support the residents of Jerusalem.

“Al-Aqsa mosque is in real danger. Israel continues to capitalise on weak Arab and Muslim stances to carry out its plans and impose a new reality on the ground,” he added.

On Wednesday, the Israeli army stormed the Aqsa mosque and besieged its southern mosque, injuring more than 30 citizens with rubber bullets and tear gas

Al-Azhar University expels 51 students for protesting against military rule

The Egyptian Observatory for Rights and Freedoms (EORF) has condemned the arbitrary decision of Al-Azhar University to expel 51 students for taking part in anti-coup protests.

According to the EORF, 19 female and 32 male students have been expelled. It described the incident as the “biggest attack against students inside the university campus”.

In a statement, the EORF called for the university administration to give students the space to practice their rights, including expressing their opinions and organising peaceful protests, which are guaranteed by national and international rights conventions.

The EORF demanded a reversal of the decision to expel the students, which was based solely on the students’ protest activities, and also called for the immediate release of all students held in prisons based on oppressive decisions that violate their rights.

According to the statement, the students survived arrest and killing but are still being punished by the university. The statement also noted that the head of Al-Azhar University allowed the police and army staff to hunt and detain the students on campus grounds.

The statement called the decision to expel the students an “unprecedented move” for an Egyptian university. At the same time, the university closed its eyes to the practices of the security forces, including firing live bullets and tear gas at students who are against the military rule in the country.

EORF questioned the university’s actions and condemned it for collaborating with the security forces during the attacks, letting them use “excessive force” against its own students.

The organisation stressed that expelling students for expressing their opinion and organising protests contravenes all national and international rights conventions. Such decisions, according to the EORF, do not serve the educational mission because they are based on political agendas

Local Teesside football round-up: Steelies still in control as season heads for climax

JACK HATFIELD SPORTS TEESSIDE LEAGUE

THE first division title race continues to gather pace, with Acklam Steelworks still three points ahead after they won 3-1 at North Ormesby.

Nathan Liddell scored after 15 minutes and a hotly disputed Karl Liley penalty made it 2-0 just before half time.

Ben Wheatley scored Steelies’ third with 25 minutes remaining before Kieran Ramsey got a late consolation.

Whinney Banks YCC are three points behind, with two games in hand still, after annihilating Nunthorpe Athletic 6-0.

Lee Mahon with a brace and Jack Campbell made it 3-0 after half an hour.

Danny Lockwood made it 4-0 at half time, then scored his 39th of the season to put his side five up. Steve Richardson completed the scoring.

Thornaby Dubliners moved up into third place with one game remaining after a 3-1 win over Fishburn Park.

James Hackett, Chris Burton and Peter Boldison scored for Dubliners, with Luke Storr getting the Fishburn goal.

Grangetown Boys’ Club won a remarkable match 8-6 against Lingdale.

Ben Weir gave the Boys’ Club a sixth minute lead, with Danny Moloney making it 2-0 before Ben Crooks pulled a goal back.

Gary Sivills made it 2-2 in the next minute, then Connor Smith and a second from Moloney made it 4-2.

Smith went on to complete his hat-trick with two goals inside a minute to make it 6-2.

Jamie Bellemy made it 7-2 three minutes before half- time, before Crooks made it 7-3.

Josh Keogh made it 8-3 in the 73rd minute, Crooks scored two more goals to make it 8-5 with Paul Lyons scoring the last effort.

Thirsk Falcons secured the second division title and promotion with their 5-0 midweek win over Richmond Town.

They will play Stockton West End next Saturday, with West End needing at least a point after they won 5-2 at Guisborough Globe.

Ben Turner and Jake Large gave West End a 2-0 lead against the Globe. A brace from Sean O’Brien then gave West End a 4-0 lead with Michael McLaughlin then making it 5-0 just before half- time.

Five minutes into the second half Brian Combellack pulled it back to 5-1 with Adam Chung making it 5-2 with five minutes remaining.

Billingham Town lost 3-2 to Richmond Town in their final match of the season, despite goals from Nathan Watson (penalty) and Chris Atkinson.

Loftus Athletic completed their first season in the league with a 4-2 victory against Billingham Synthonia.

Synners took the lead through Danny Liddle, but Stuart Oswald made it 1-1 in the 40th minute. Loftus went on to lead 3-1 at half time with further goals from Jamie Dewing and Lee Preston.

Ashly Lavan with his 21st goal of the season in Synthonia’s final match of the season pulled it back to 3-2. But Matthew Griffin completed the scoring for Loftus late on.

STOCKTON SUNDAY LEAGUE

CHAMPIONS Hardwick Social celebrated their Premier Division title victory with a 4-2 slaying of runners-up Norton George and Dragon at Grangefield.

Hardwick got two goals in the opening two minutes, an Adam Nicholson header and close range James Ward effort.

George and Dragon gradually worked their way back into the game and reduced the deficit through Christopher Burton.

They began to dominate, but Andrew Westwood restored the two-goal advantage and Tom Coulthard raced in to make it 4-1.

Norton pulled an individual goal back through Ryan Watson but Hardwick hung on to remain unbeaten and have one game left to record a 100% league record.

Hardwick Social will try to add trophy success to their league triumph on Sunday when they face Hetton Lyons Cricket Club in the Durham Sunday Cup final at Seaham Red Star (2pm kick-off).

In the only other top flight fixture, Portrack defeated George and Dragon Yarm 3-2.

It was a game of two halves, with Portrack blazing into a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from John Allison, Ian Thompson and Jonathan McLone.

The George reshuffled at half- time and pulled goals back through Paul Vickers and Jamie Taylor, but Portrack held on.

The Royal extended their lead at the top of the Division One table as Paul Cleary scored a hat-trick in a hard-fought 3-2 win at Grangefield Park.

Thornaby Jolly Farmers cut the gap on second-placed Stockton West End to a point with a game in hand thanks to a 4-0 home win against Billingham The Kings.

There were two goals for man of the match Daniel Jones, and one each for Sean Wilkinson and Martin Wilkinson.

Layfield Arms moved into fourth place with a 7-3 win against Malleable. Sami Fallah, Ben Manuel and Daniel Chapman all scored twice, with Daniel Humphrey also on target.

Stockton Hardwick extended their lead at the top of Division Two with a 4-0 win at home to second-placed Castle and Anchor. A win in their final fixture will give Stockton Hardwick the title.

Eaglescliffe Bazookas crashed 3-0 to Hartburn thanks to two goals from Jamie Gunn and one from Mark Norster.

Market Tavern are third, six points adrift of Castle and Anchor but with four games in hand.

Billingham Cons will meet either Hardwick Social or Grangefield Park in the Stephen Wells Memorial Trophy final after beating Norton WMC 2-1 at home.

James McLeod and substitute Anthony Abel were the Cons scorers.

MB DISTRIBUTION REDCAR SUNDAY LEAGUE

CLARENDON Hotel booked their place in the final of the Nick Cornick League Challenge Cup as they staged a dramatic late fightback to stun second division The Stockton 6-5.

Liam Fox gave the home side the lead but The Stockton hit back straight away.

Luke Nicholson put the home side back in front but The Stockton netted three times to take a two-goal lead.

Nicholson pulled a goal back but The Stockton responded with a fifth before a couple of substitutions by the home side brought fresh legs and energy to Clarendon.

Clarendon kept plugging away and brought the game level with goals from Nicholson and Nesbitt. With time running out, a quick throw found Luke Pearson who scored after the ball was held up to complete an amazing fightback.

Andy Tullock scored a hat-trick for The Stockton, with Anthony Jefferson and Marcus Wood scoring the other goals.

In league action, Grangetown lost in midweek to local rivals Eston Ship Inn by the odd goal in three before demolishing Lakes Social Club.

Ennis Square Social Club staged a turnaround in their game before beating Eston Ship Inn.

Andrew Donachie gave Grangetown the lead against Eston Ship before going on to miss a host of chances which proved very costly as Graeme Watson equalised and as Ship mounted pressure they could even afford to have a penalty saved before Bradley Wright hit the winner.

On Sunday, Ennis Square trailed Ship Inn 2-0 but pulled a goal back before half time and drew level but Ship went back in front through Jones.

But Ennis Square scored three late goals to seal the three points with Adam Preston scoring four times and Wayne Skelton adding the other.

Grangetown then entertained Lakes Social Club and completed a comfortable victory as Ross Smith netted six.

MSV SPORT TEESBOROUGH LEAGUE

Eston Villa’s excellent season continued as they defeated Erimus 4-1 in the semi-final of the Dave Bodley Trophy.

Their victory set up an exciting final showdown with all-conquering North Ormesby Cons in a couple of weeks’ time.

Rock-bottom Virginmedia have been much improved in recent weeks and are unwittingly going to have a massive say in the destiny of the Division One title.

Having defeated third-placed The Junction 5-0 in midweek, long time leaders Longlands must have thought they were in for a stroll against Virginmedia at the weekend.

But they slumped to a shock 5-0 defeat and now face Justice knowing that they must win and then hope Justice fail to take anything from their final fixture against Virginmedia.

Justice continued their good run with a 10-1 demolition of Clairville, boosting their goal difference into the bargain.

Elsewhere in Division One, The Junction defeated Ironopolis 2-1 to move three points above them.

But The Nops still have three games left to secure the four points they need to make third place their own.

South Park Rangers got back to winning ways with a 5-2 win over Riverside B.

Incredibly, throughout the whole of the season in Division One there has only been one drawn match.

That came back in October, a 5-5 stalemate between Virginmedia and South Park Rangers.

UPVC SUPPLIERS ESKVALE & CLEVELAND LEAGUE

Lingdale United picked up the league’s first piece of silverware this season after overcoming stubborn Wombleton Wanderers to retain the Scarborough Junior Cup with a 6-3 final victory.

Wayne Skelton drilled them in front after six minutes from 25 yards and they extended their lead when a defender diverted Luke Johnson’s cross into the net while under pressure from Mikey Willans

Wombleton reduced the deficit within five minutes and almost scored again when they hit the crossbar.

But Lingdale restored their two-goal cushion as a defensive mistake allowed Willans to race into the area and unselfishly square the ball for Johnson to lash home.

Wombleton refused to lie down and went into the break all square after scoring following a free-kick before then in a defensive mix-up.

But Lingdale stepped up a gear in the second half, with Andy Smith heading home Joe Ferguson’s corner.

Willans scored their fifth with a shot across the face of goal and Ferguson rifled in to make it six.

Stokesley Sports Club were made to fight hard before securing a second cup final appearance as they beat Great Ayton United 4-2 in their UPVC Suppliers Cup semi-final.

Great Ayton took the lead before Stokesley equalised before half-time through Jimmy Grainge.

Michael Croft gave Stokesley a second half lead, only to see Great Ayton level again.

But Mark Shimwell converted a penalty to put Stokesley back in front, and Dane Breckon sealed victory from the last kick of the game.

Boosbeck United also made it through to a final as they beat Hinderwell 2-1 in the Eileen Hodgson Bowl.

After A tight first half ended goalless, Boosbeck took the lead but Gary Marsay equalised. The game looked set for extratime but Boosbeck scored the winner to overcome a battling Hinderwell side.

In the quarter-finals of the Whitby Benevolent Trophy, Staithes Athletic just edged out Lealholm by the odd goal in three in an entertaining game.

Dan Ward scored twice in the first half for Staithes, with Phil Spencer replying for Lealholm.

BATTLEZONE PAINTBALL LANGBAURGH SUNDAY LEAGUE

PARK End were narrow 2-1 winners over O’Connells in Division One, while The Star drew 3-3 with Middlebeck.

Lakes United scored a steady stream of of goals as they swamped The Apple Tree 7-1 in Division Two.

Lakes led 2-0 at half time thanks to strikes from Stew Clarke and Matty Clarke.

And the floodgates opened after the break as Matty Clarke scored again before further goals from Lee Thomas and Earl John-Lewis put Lakes five up.

The Apple Tree got a consolation back but added a quickfire double courtesy of Joe Simms and Paul Bailes to seal a one-sided victory.

Acklam Green were 2-0 winners over Riverside as they kept their hunt for promotion well on track, while top of the table The Centurion edged past NSA Atlas Valves 1-0.

The Globe are also in pursuit of the title and a double from Ashley Woodier allied to a Mick Pugh strike secured a 3-0 win at home to The Clarry.

In Division Three, Star and Garter were 4-1 winners at Ormesby Athletic.

The league also saw important match action on Tuesday night, with The Globe edging ahead of The Centurion at the top on goal difference following a 7-1 win against Marton Rovers.

There was a hat-trick from Ashley Woodier, and a brace for J Bowmaker, as well as a goal each for L Swales and R Kelly.

Marton Rovers’ consolation goal came from Andy Townsend.

The push for the title and promotion also took a twist in Division Three as Star and Garter picked up a deserved 3-0 win over Marton Cricket Club.

NORTH RIDING SUNDAY COUNTY CUP

The Cleveland have become the first side in the 47-year history of the competition to win the North Riding Sunday County Cup three seasons in a row.

The Langbaurgh Sunday League side beat Sportsmans of the Hambleton and District League 2-1 in the final at the County FA’s Stokesley headquarters.

They took the lead through Dean Talukder and doubled their advantage when Richard Cook met Daniel Lockwood’s cross.

Sam Grainger pulled a goal back for Sportsmans with two minutes remaining, but The Cleveland hung on to celebrate a hat-trick.

The Cleveland beat Hollybush 3-1 in the 2013 final, having beaten North Ormesby Institute a season earlier.

US air force behind drone attacks in Pakistan

CIA’s drone attacks in Pakistan are conducted by a regular US air force, according to a new documentary to be released on Tuesday.

Known as the 17th Reconnaissance Squadron, the air force is based in the Nevada desert and is responsible for deadly drone strike program in Pakistan.

The force operates from a secure compound in a corner of Creech air force base, 45 miles from Las Vegas in the Mojave desert, according to the documentary.

The unit’s conventional air force personnel, rather than civilian contractors, have been flying the CIA’s Predator missions in Pakistan, several former drone operators stated.

The operators also told the filmmakers that it was the air force that has always flown the missions and that the CIA might be the customer.

They said a CIA label is just a pretext to withhold information.

In a 2013 briefing, senior Obama administration officials said they wanted to “transfer” control of the CIA’s drones program to the military.

Brandon Bryant, a former US Predator operator, told the film this was disingenuous because everyone in military circles knew that the US air force was already involved.

“There is a lie hidden within that truth. And the lie is that it’s always been the air force that has flown those missions. The CIA might be the customer but the air force has always flown it. A CIA label is just an excuse to not have to give up any information. That is all it has ever been,” Bryant said.

Hina Shamsi, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Security Project, said this documentary raised questions of legality and oversight. “A lethal force apparatus in which the CIA and regular military collaborate as they are reportedly doing risks upending the checks and balances that restrict where and when lethal force is used, and thwart democratic accountability, which cannot take place in secrecy.”

The US regularly uses drones for attacks and spying missions in Pakistan and other Muslim countries, killing innocent people. Washington claims that the airstrikes target militants, but local and international sources say civilians have been the main victims of the attacks.

AT/ARA

Redcar Bears aim to roar through to League Cup semi-final

Redcar Bears go into their back-to-back battles with Sheffield Tigers needing four points to qualify for the Premier League Cup semi-finals

Trophy-hunting Redcar Bears go into their back-to-back battles with Sheffield Tigers needing four points to qualify for the Premier League Cup semi-finals.

But team manager Jitendra Duffill is aiming even higher and is targeting wins in both meetings.

The Ecco Finishing Bears head to South Yorkshire tonight (7.45pm start) for their final away match of the League Cup campaign before completing their Northern Group fixtures with a home clash against the same oponents tomorrow (7.30pm start).

They currently lead the mini-league table with 10 points, ahead of Newcastle and Sheffield on six and Scunthorpe on four. All teams have ridden four matches.

“Four points from these two meetings will give us a semi-final place,” said Duffill, whose side beat Newcastle 55-35 last time out, “so that’s what we will be setting out to achieve.

“The team spirit in the camp is good and I’m looking forward to it.

“Sheffield have already lost at home to Scunthorpe, who we beat home and away, so that is something to take on board and we know we can go there and do a job.

“We are aiming to win both meetings and we certainly believe we are capable of doing that.”

The Tigers, now managed by former British champion and Grand Prix star Joe Screen, will be looking to bounce back from a 63-27 mauling at Newcastle last Sunday.

They have a strong spearhead in fit-again Simon Stead while former Bear Adam Roynon is capable of some big scores and veteran former PLRC winner Andre Compton is a more than handy reserve.

Duffill, however, is more than happy with his own No 1, Richard Lawson, and the rest of the team.

“What has pleased me is that we have been scoring points right the way through the order,” he said.

“Richard has been absolutely fantastic.

“He’s been unbeatable at home and has two full maximums to his name already.

“I really think he could be the star of the Premier League this season.”

In between the two meetings, members of the Bears team will be visiting the children’s unit at James Cook Hospital tomorrow to give out Easter eggs and gifts to young patients.

BEARS: Luke Crang, Jan Graversen, Rafal Konopka, Richard Lawson, Hugh Skidmore, Aaron Summers, Carl Wilkinson.

TIGERS: Josh Bates, Andre Compton, Leigh Lanham, Simon Nielsen, Taylor Poole, Adam Roynon, Simon Stead.

Former Bears track curator Ian Wilson, who also brought in a good deal of sponsorship money to the club, has died.

Bears No 1 Richard Lawson will not now miss the club’s Premier League opener against Glasgow next Thursday.

He was due to be riding in the British Semi-final at Sheffield that night but the draw has been revised and he now joins team-mate Carl Wilkinson in the other half of the draw at Rye House the following Wednesday.

See tomorrow’s Gazette for a preview of the Bears’ home match against Sheffield.

For a report and reaction from this evening’s meeting at Owlerton go online and visit <a href = 'http://ift.tt/1md60Qe'>http://ift.tt/1k2TrcJ;

Stockton mixed martial arts fighter Josh Kaldani targets place among world's elite

Josh Kaldani is aiming to stretch his perfect record all the way to a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship

Stockton mixed martial arts fighter Josh Kaldani is aiming to stretch his perfect record all the way to a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A solid wrestler with plenty of thunder in his hands, crowd pleaser Kaldani is unbeaten in his seven-bout MMA career, with all but two of those wins arriving inside the distance.

And the ambitious 25-year-old is eager to keep his flawless run going as he hopes to compete one day in the sport’s biggest platform, the UFC.

“I don’t want to rush it, but whichever sport you are in you want to be at the highest level possible,” he said.

“In MMA, that means the UFC. I just want to fight in the UFC and have a fan base and be exciting as well.”

Lightweight Kaldani is trained by Wing Chun and Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist Alan Orr and Peter Irving and last fought in November in Orr’s adopted homeland New Zealand, where he has opened his own gym.

Ben Te Tai became the latest opponent to feel the southpaw’s wrath as he was taken out by second round punches.

Kaldani is currently rehabbing a shoulder injury before he gets his next fight lined up.

But whoever he faces next he is sure his attack-minded philosophy is perfectly suited to shine some time in the UFC.

“My attitude is all or nothing. I want to lay it all on the line,” he said.

“I don’t want to be a boring fighter.

“I would rather have an average career and be an exciting fighter than a successful career and be a boring one.

“Even when I spar more technical people in training I tend to get the better of it, because I just seem to want it more.

“Hopefully that will to win can take me a long way.”

Looking back to his younger days, Kaldani admits he had it tough academically at Blakeston School as he struggled with dyslexia, but he has always been athletic.

He played left-back for Hartlepool United but after suffering a broken ankle his natural desire to fight led him into MMA when he was 16.

After starting out learning the fundamentals of no-gi grappling with Chris Crossan and former Cage Rage lightweight champion Abdul Mohamed on Teesside, Kaldani says he has gone from strength to strength both inside and outside the cage.

And he is looking to the future with renewed confidence.

“I was shy as a kid. I wasn’t very clever or good at reading and writing, and I didn’t mix well,” he said.

“People would have a go at me, and I used to get in lots of fights.

“MMA has made me more confident, and Alan Orr has helped me in life as well as training.

“I feel better in my full life, and because I’ve always watched in order to learn, I seem to pick things up quickly.

“I want to keep on winning and try and avoid these little injuries that I’ve got now that can hold you back.”

Kaldani’s desire to master his craft has seen him make regular visits to Nottingham to train with explosive former UFC, Strikeforce and Bellator welterweight Paul Daley.

Daley is a stand-up fighting specialist who is enjoying a successful return to his kickboxing roots with three straight knockout wins, and says Kaldani has definite UFC possibilities.

“Josh is awesome,” Daley, 31, said. “I’ve had him up at our dojo a lot helping me out sparring.

“His wrestling is phenomenal and he definitely has a lot of potential.”

Joe Maphosa the last man left in Teesside's chase for area glory

Joe Maphosa left to fly the flag for Teesside in ABA Championships following narrow defeats for Louis Cunningham and Kalam Leather

Joe Maphosa has been left to fly the flag for Teesside in this season’s ABA Championships following narrow defeats for Louis Cunningham and Kalam Leather in the Tyne, Tees and Wear Elite Finals.

Flyweight Maphosa has been seeded through to the quarter-finals in Liverpool on April 25 as the No 3 in his division.

The 20-year-old is the last Middlesbrough-area man standing following Cunningham and Leather’s gutsy losses, reigning ABA super-heavyweight champion from Skelton Tony Richardson’s absence due to Army duties and the late withdrawals of Adil Hassan, Ross Jameson and Tom Blenkinsop.

“Joe is training well,” said Maphosa’s coach at Middlesbrough ABC, Tony Whitby.

“He is set to face an unseeded boxer in the quarters, and I think he would then face Jack Bateson in the semis.

“Bateson beat Joe in the semis last season but it was very close.”

Wellington’s former ABA light-middleweight finalist Cunningham lost a split decision to ex-welterweight runner-up Lewis Ritson (Forest Hall) in the TTW finals at Rainton Meadows Area.

Team-mate Leather - whose twin brother Josh is an unbeaten professional - lost a unanimous verdict to Houghton’s Josh Kelly but gave the flashy defending light- welterweight champion all he could handle.

“Cunningham’s bout was very close, to be fair,” said Wellington ABC trainer John Dryden.

“He landed more shots, while Ritson might have landed the bigger shots, but there really wasn’t anything in it. A late burst might have got Ritson over the line.”

Dryden added: “Kalam really did well. He had an excellent defence and countered every time he got caught. He looks like he is getting as good as his brother.”

The championships came too soon for South Bank lightweight Jameson, but he is set to box in Belfast in June.

Israeli forces break into Al-Aqsa and attack worshippers

Tens of worshippers were wounded yesterday when the Israeli army and police broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque and attacked Palestinians inside, eyewitnesses reported

According to locals “many worshipers suffocated from inhaling tear gas and others were bruised after the Israeli forces beat them up with batons.”

The injured are being treated inside Al-Aqsa Mosque and the medical centre.

The Israeli forces tried to break into the mosque yesterday morning angering Muslim worshippers and prompting clashes.

An official in the Islamic Waqf who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “The Israeli army seems to be trying to evacuate Muslim worshippers from the mosque to allow Jewish settlers to storm the mosque.”

The Israeli forces and settlers gathered outside the Maghrabi Gate in the western wall which the settlers use to storm the mosque.

Hundreds of Palestinian Jerusalemites and Palestinian citizens of Israel gathered in the mosque to prevent the settlers from storming it.

Extremist Israeli groups called to break into Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Jewish holiday of Passover which began on Monday and lasts a week.

Boro clock up red card record but skipper Jonathan Woodgate insists: 'We're not a dirty team'

Boro have racked up nine red cards this season, an all-time club highest total, but Woodgate says Boro are not a nasty team to play

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Gallery: Middlesbrough's nine red cards this season

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Boro have clocked up a red card record.

But, insists skipper Jonathan Woodgate, they are not a dirty side.

Boro have already racked up NINE red cards this season, an all-time club highest total.

The previous highest tally was two years ago when they got seven.

Only Blackpool with 10 have had more men sent off in the Championship this term.

But Woodgate was quick to point out that Boro are far from being a nasty team to play.

“The number of red cards we are getting looks bad but we are not dirty,” he said. “No way.

“How many have we had now this season? Nine? And there isn’t a bad foul among them.

“No rash tackles, no reckless two footed challenges, no flying elbows... there’s been nothing like that .

“They have nearly all been for two yellows, and most of those were for silly mistakes.

“Obviously it’s still too many and we need to cut those mistakes out, but there’s no way you can call us dirty.”

Boro have committed 448 fouls this term - only the 12th worst and well behind bad boys Yeovil on 545.

And they’ve been shown 69 yellow cards, the ninth most. Niggly Watford and Nottingham Forest lead the way with 86 each.

Daniel Ayala was sent off for two yellow cards in stoppage time at Burnley hot on the heels of Ben Gibson and Kenneth Omeruo being dismissed at home to Birmingham in the previous game.

Dean Whitehead at Sheffield Wednesday, Gibson at Watford and Curtis Main at Derby also went for two bookings while Jason Steele went at Leeds for a professional foul.

Earlier, Emmanuel Ledesma saw red for a foul at Forest and Rhys Williams for a hefty tackle at home to Bournemouth.

“You will always get the odd mistimed one when the pressure is on and you are defending,” said Woodgate. “But as a team we are not dirty.”

Dream Home: Stylish £595,000 Folly with feel for family living in Hutton Rudby

The Folly twists the definition of the word on its head in the village of Hutton Rudby, and is for sale with a guide price of £595,000

By its very definition, the word folly means an ornamental building with no practical purpose.

But nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to this week’s Dream Home.

For The Folly, in the village of Hutton Rudby, twists the definition on its head - and then some. It is both good to look at - on the inside and the outside - and with spacious rooms and contemporary decor, it proves the perfect space for family living.

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Dream Home: The Folly, Hutton Rudby

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Home to its owners for 20 years, they’ve renovated and refurbished with a real eye for detail creating spaces that reflect the country feel of the house.

“The house belonged to my mum and dad, they loved Hutton Rudby,” explains the owner.

“It was quite old fashioned when they moved in - mum loves decor and she had a new kitchen put in and decorated right through.

“A favourite room is the kitchen - everybody loves it. Everybody sits and eats in there, it is a real family hub of a room.”

The charming family home has plenty of flexible living space and with three reception rooms downstairs and four bedrooms upstairs, there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy.

The living room is a haven of relaxation with a bay window overlooking the front garden as well as a window at the rear and a focal point in the shape of a brick built fireplace with open fire.

The light-filled dining room has a staircase up to the first floor as well as doors off to the breakfast room, conservatory and living room.

There’s a sitting room too - in here you’ll find French doors with access to the conservatory.

The breakfast room is open plan to the kitchen and there’s another feature brick fireplace in here. Recently refitted, the kitchen is a contemporary space with high gloss units and solid wood worksurfaces, a double Belfast style sink and a range style oven with a ceramic hob.

The ground floor is also home to a utility room and a shower room.

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and peeping in, it is obvious the owners have a flair for interior decoration. All stylish and comfortable, they reflect the country nature of the house with a relaxing and contemporary twist.

The family bathroom is another stylish room with a white suite and panelled bath together with wooden effect flooring.

Outside, the garden at the front of the house is lawned with trees and a paved path leading up to the front door.

Private gates flank the driveway and there’s a detached double garage and two brick-built storage sheds.

The garden at the back of the house is extremely private and has a lawn with a patio area which can be accessed from the conservatory. With plans to relocate, however, the owners have taken the decision to put the house on to the market.

The Folly is for sale with a guide price of £595,000. For more information, contact the Stokesley office of estate agent Bridgfords on 01642 337775.

More Dream Homes

Charm in abundance at quirky barn conversion in village of Potto

Games room, gym and sauna at five-bedroom £649,995 Wynyard house

All about the views at £649,950 five-bedroom Kirklevington house

£600k five-bed Nunthorpe property was once a school

View: Boro fans meet players during behind-the-scenes Riverside tour

Pictures: Supporters meet Danny Graham, Dimi Konstantopoulos, Jason Steele and David Atkinson - as well as Roary the Lion!

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Gallery: VIP tours of the Riverside Stadium

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Boro stars met supporters as they took part in a tour of the Riverside Stadium.

Danny Graham, Dimi Konstantopoulos, Jason Steele and David Atkinson met fans in the Riverside’s home dressing room yesterday as part of Boro’s latest VIP tour.

The Boro players were on hand to answer questions and posed for photographs with the fans who enjoyed a behind-the-scenes view of the club.

At the next stop on the tour, fans met Boro website reporter and REDSQUARE quizmaster Gordon Cox in the club Press Room.

Gordon answered questions and gave fans an expert’s view of media operations.

Meanwhile, Boro mascot Roary the Lion was in the boardroom to greet fans.

Tours cost just £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s – supporters can book by calling 0844 499 6789.

Investment pays off as valve giant Leser GmbH opens offices in Stockton

Leser UK has officially opened its UK Distribution Centre at Stockton's Preston Farm.

Europe's largest manufacturer of safety valves has officially opened its UK distribution centre in Stockton.

Leser GmbH has gone “from strength to strength” since it first set up its facility at Preston Farm Industrial Estate two years ago - despite the difficult economic climate.

It invested heavily, doubling the size of the centre to create its UK hub - and equipped the centre with specialist and unique state-of-the-art safety valve test equipment.

During the last two years, the company has shipped millions of pounds worth of safety valves and has carried out service work for its products on chemical and process plants across the North-east.

The Stockton facility has also just become an Approved Repair Centre for the company’s products.

Chairman of Leser GmbH Martin Leser, visited Teeeside to officially open the newly-expanded facility, and was welcomed by MD of Leser UK Andrew Varga.

A spokesperson for the company said: “The facility’s test and maintenance service equipment is cutting edge patented technology, which supports reduction in plant downtime and operation risk.

“It includes world-leading in-situ safety valve test systems and the unique condition rating safety valve health monitoring technology.

“These capabilities are supplied both on the customer’s site and at the Stockton workshops.

“The new investment has resulted in increased stock holding and staff numbers in Stockton, so that the business will be set fair to support, and take advantage of, the upturn in the UK economy.”

Leser GmbH was established in 1818 as a jobbing braziery and has grown to become a global leader in the safety valve market.

Leser UK is part of the Seetru Group of companies.

US government the most corrupt on earth: Paul Craig Roberts

The claims of democracy and freedom by the United States are the most absurd allegations ever heard in history, an analyst writes in a column for the Press TV website.

“How does Washington get away with the claim that the country it rules is a democracy and has freedom? This absurd claim ranks as one of the most unsubstantiated claims in history,” Paul Craig Roberts wrote in his column on Tuesday.

The analyst described the US government as “the most corrupt on earth”, saying Washington is devoid of any “independent judiciary or media.”

“This is America today. Yet Washington prances around chanting ‘freedom and democracy’ even as it displaces the greatest tyrannies in human history with its own,” wrote Roberts.

The analyst also said the US is looking for a pretext within the ongoing crisis in Ukraine to trigger a war against Russia.

“As this is clear even to a fool, is it Washington’s goal to start a war? Is that why Washington is massing NATO forces on Russia’s borders and sending missile ships into the Black Sea?” he wrote.

Roberts said the US is “putting the entire world at risk.”

He said even Washington’s “stooges in Kiev” would not believe the US media allegations that Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Officials of the Washington-imposed government in Kiev acknowledged the need for some autonomy for the Russian-speaking regions and for a law permitting referendums, but this realistic response to widespread concerns among Ukrainians has apparently been squelched by Washington and its presstitute media,” wrote Roberts.

In a phone conversation with US President Barack Obama on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said reports regarding Russia’s “alleged interference” in Ukraine are “based on inaccurate information.”

Tensions between the Western powers and Moscow heightened after Crimea declared independence from Ukraine and formally applied to become part of the Russian Federation following a referendum on March 16, in which nearly 97 percent of voters in Crimea chose to rejoin Russia.

KA/HGH/SL

Convicted robber-on-the-run from Lazenby believed to have committed another offence

Daniel Pearson, who has strong links to Teesside, has been on the run since he adsconded from prison in February

A convicted Teesside robber who is being hunted by police is believed to have committed another offence since going on the run.

Daniel Pearson absconded from Kirkham Prison in Lancashire on February 18 this year and has been on the run ever since.

It was believed he was initially in the Redcar area.

And this is the second time in the space of a year that the 29-year-old has been on the run - he absconded from Kirklevington Prison in February last year - spending seven days on the run.

Pearson, originally from Lazenby, was serving an indeterminate sentence at Kirkham Prison for a robbery he committed in Middlesbrough in 2007.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said that he is now wanted in connection with an criminal damage offence, committed in the Cleveland area, which Pearson is believed to have been involved in since he absconded two months ago.

Officers now believe he may have moved on to the North Yorkshire area.

He is described as being white, six feet tall, of slim build with green eyes and short brown hair.

He is known to have strong links to Teesside, in particular the Middlesbrough area.

When he was caught after absconding from Kirklevington Prison, near Yarm, he was taken to Holme House Prison at Stockton.

He then appeared at Teesside Crown Court on February 21 via video link where he pleaded guilty to the escape.

He waved twice at the camera to friends watching proceedings on screens in the Middlesbrough court of Judge Tony Briggs.

His lawyer Shaun Grainger said that Pearson stayed free for a few days before ringing his solicitors, and he arranged to hand himself in to Middlesbrough police station.

It is believed he was later moved to Kirkham Prison to carry on serving his sentence.

Anyone who may have seen him or anyone who may know of his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Student protests continue at Egyptian universities

Anti-government protest rallies are taking place at universities across Egypt a day after a student was killed in Cairo.

On Tuesday, student protesters gathered on university campuses to denounce the death of their fellow at Cairo University.

The students also used the event to call for the release of their fellow peers detained during the crackdown.

The killing occurred as police fired tear gas and birdshot to disperse the protesters at the Cairo University campus on Monday. Dozens of people, including a journalist, were also injured in the crackdown.

The fierce clashes at university campuses have been the latest in a new wave of bloody crackdown against anti-military students.

The latest protest rallies come after Egypt’s former defense minister, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, officially submitted his bid to run for president.

Sisi led the overthrow of former president, Mohamed Morsi, suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament in July last year. He is also accused of leading a severe crackdown against the supporters of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood.

The army-backed government has detained hundreds of students since former president was ousted. More than 500 people have also been handed death sentences and hundreds of others have been handed lengthy jail terms.

The students are also calling for the release of all the detained students and the dismissal of police guards from universities.

Several international bodies and the UN Human Rights Council have expressed concern over the Egyptian security forces’ heavy-handed crackdown and the killing of peaceful anti-government protesters.

According to the UK-based rights group, Amnesty International, 1,400 people have been killed in the political violence since Morsi’s ouster in July last year, “most of them due to excessive force used by security forces.”

JR/PR/SL

Craig Hignett backing Rhys Williams to bounce back from World Cup heartbreak

Boro assistant head coach sympathises with dismayed defender while Karanka believes Williams must put the Rio heartache aside

Craig Hignett is backing Rhys Williams to bounce back from his World Cup heartbreak.

The versatile Boro defender’s dreams of representing Australia in this summer’s tournament in Brazil were shattered for a second time when he suffered a torn Achilles in January.

Williams - who plays as a right-back for Australia - went down in pain in the centre-circle after turning quickly during a goalless draw with Wigan.

Williams seemed ahead of schedule in his recovery and he announced he was aiming to prove his fitness before the end of the season.

The 25-year-old was determined to recover in time to play for Boro again this term and win a place in the Socceroos squad.

But last week those slim hopes were dashed when boss Aitor Karanka ruled out a first team return this season.

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Rhys Williams

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It’s a double blow for Williams, who missed the 2010 World Cup in South Africa due to a pelvic problem.

Assistant head coach Hignett says he sympathises with the dismayed defender - and predicted he will bounce back.

Hignett feels his pain, saying: “If he can’t make the World Cup I can only imagine how he feels because he missed the last one as well.

“I was talking to him about it and he was saying how he missed the last one through injury too and to have that happen twice is terrible.

“World Cups don’t come around too often and to be in line for one and then be injured when it comes around - twice - must be heartbreaking for him.

“So that’s a real shame for him but if we can help in any way as a staff here we will. We will do what we can.

“But he’s a strong character and I’m sure he will deal with it himself, put it behind him, get on and work and get fit as soon as he can. He bounced back last time and I’m sure he will again.”

Williams had surgery on the damaged Achilles and is now well on the road to recovery. But Hignett believes it’s important that the staff at Rockliffe Park keep his spirits up during his rehabiliation programme.

“When you are badly injured it is the worst thing in the world for a player ,” he said. “But it’s important that we keep them involved, keep them in and around things.

“They have to feel they are still part of the squad and still important to the club.

“The medical staff are really good like that, they will set them a programme and keep him fully focused.”

Karanka, meanwhile, believes Williams must put the Rio heartache aside and concentrate on getting fully fit for pre-season training.

He said: “Rhys was disappointed about missing the World Cup, I know.

“But I think now it’s better for him to focus on the next pre-season.”

Ukraine on verge of civil war, Putin warns

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Ukraine’s military operation against pro-Moscow protesters puts the country on the verge of civil war.

Putin made the remark in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday.

“The Russian president remarked that the sharp escalation of the conflict [in Ukraine] has placed the country, in effect, on the verge of civil war,” the Kremlin said in a statement issued after the phone conversation.

According to the statement, the two leaders underscored the significance of scheduled four-party talks on Thursday, when Russia, the European Union, the United States and Ukraine will meet on the Ukraine crisis.

“The hope was expressed that the meeting in Geneva can give a clear signal to return the situation to a peaceful framework,” the statement said.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s acting president announced “an anti-terror operation” in the east of the country amid escalating pro-Russian protests in the region.

Oleksandr Turchynov said the operation was being conducted in the “north of Donetsk region” to root out protests in eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in a separate telephone conversation with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Putin said he expects the UN to condemn Ukraine’s approach in dealing with the unrest in the country’s east.

Putin “underscored that the Russian side expects a clear condemnation from the United Nations and the international community of these anti-constitutional actions”, the Kremlin said in another statement.

Washington, however, praised the operation as “measured”.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said Ukraine is facing “an untenable situation”, adding that Washington is coordinating further steps with its allies.

Pro-Russian rallies gained momentum in Ukraine after Crimea declared independence from the former Soviet state and formally applied to become part of the Russian Federation following a referendum on March 16, in which nearly 97 percent of the participants voted for reunion with Russia.

MSM/AS/MHB

Tip offs lead to Grove Hill drug raids as three men and one woman are arrested

Officers recovered class A and B drugs worth between £800 and £900 thanks to intelligence gathered from people living in Grove Hill area

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Peter Reimann

Police drugs raid at Alnwick Court, Grove Hill

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There was nowhere to hide for suspected drug dealers in a Middlesbrough estate as police carried out a series of raids.

The suspects were given a rude awakening when officers broke down doors of three properties in Grove Hill.

They struck as part of a day of action in the Middlesbrough estate yesterday.

Three men and one woman were arrested following the raids at properties in Sutton Way, Alnwick Court and Shelley Road.

And officers recovered class A and B drugs worth between £800 and £900 from the properties.

At the terraced house in Alnwick Court, police searched the property before arresting a 20-year-old man dressed in pink pyjama bottoms.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Around £300-£400 worth of suspected Class B drugs were recovered.

In Sutton Way a 27-year-old-man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B Drugs and a 20-year-old woman was arrested for obstructing police.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs in Shelley Way.

Sergeant Peter Graham who led one of the raids, said information about the suspected drug activity came from the local community.

He said: “Intelligence was gathered from people living in the Grove Hill area and we want to urge people to keep coming forward with information about criminal activity.

“I think it is good for residents to see us doing operations like this and hopefully it will give people more confidence to tell us about any criminal activity.

“We are particularly keen to encourage people to contact us through our social media pages on Twitter and Facebook.”

Officers from Middlesbrough integrated neighbourhood team took part in the raids and they were joined by colleagues from Specialist operations, the motorcycle section, dog section and the community drugs enforcement team.

Sergeant Brian Hallas said: “The activity was in direct response to concerns from members of the public who have complained of drug dealing and associated crime and disorder in their neighbourhoods.

“We know that drugs are being dealt on foot, on bikes and in vehicles across the estates.

“I’m grateful for the help of colleagues from across the force and from our partner agencies who have made today’s operation a success.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to act on any information provided by the public. ”

Police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger also attended the raids.

He said: “When I attend community meetings the subject of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour arising from this comes up time and time again.

“Residents should have confidence that their fears and concerns are listened to – and acted upon.”