ISIS executes 2,000 people in six months

The terrorist organisation known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) has executed nearly 2,000 people in Syria over the last six months, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday. Over half of the victims are believed to belong to the Al-Shaitat tribe, a prominent Sunni clan.

The London-based watchdog said in a statement that, “the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented the execution by the Islamic State of 1,878 people in Syria between June 28 when it announced its ‘caliphate’ and December 27.”

The Observatory pointed out that the victims “were shot dead, beheaded or stoned to death in the provinces of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Al Hasakah, Aleppo, Homs and Hama.” Of the victims, 1,175 were civilians, including four children and eight women, along with more than 930 members of the Al-Shaitat clan, which refused to swear allegiance to the jihadist extremist organisation.

ISIS executed a further 502 officers and members of the Syrian army and gunmen loyal to Syrian forces after capturing them in battles or arresting them at roadblocks in areas they control.

The organisation also executed nearly 120 of its own members, mostly foreign militants who tried to escape and return to their home countries, as well as 80 fighters from rival group Jabhat Al-Nusra, the Al-Qaeda armed wing in Syria.

The Observatory noted that the actual number of executions carried out by the organisation is likely to be higher than the documented figures, but that they are difficult to verify given that hundreds of detainees are currently being held by ISIS and their fate is still undetermined.

Experts believe the group films and broadcast their execution to provoke panic among civilians and groups fighting them and to attract new jihadists to join their ranks

Coca-Cola’s investment in Gaza: By Yvonne Ridley

Coca-Cola is building a factory in Gaza, but before you applaud such an investment in an area where the economy is shattered and unemployment ranks among the highest in the world, let’s examine the deal more closely. Who will actually benefit from this? It’s a rhetorical question really, because the Palestinians living there will be the long-term losers while the neighbouring State of Israel will count the shekels rolling in.

The first of the materials to build the factory came via Israel with a convoy of 10 trucks carrying assembly line machines through the Yitzhak Rabin border terminal; from there the lorries were processed by the Israeli military into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing last week. This, in itself, is amazing, since only 130,000 tons of construction materials have been allowed into Gaza since the latest Israeli blitz; five million tons are needed to try to rebuild the factories bombed to destruction by Israel in its last two wars against the civilians of Gaza.

Thousands of families are still without homes in the depths of a Gaza winter and some of the dead are still buried under the tons of rubble where tower blocks stood before the Israeli military destroyed them. Despite international promises of humanitarian aid and a massive rebuilding programme nothing of any substance has happened because of the ongoing siege of the territory led by Israel and Egypt.

Raw materials needed in the production of Coca-Cola, which is high-up on the BDS boycott list, include water and sugar. Clean, fresh water is a rare commodity in Gaza; most of the natural sources are contaminated very badly so no doubt Israeli entrepreneurs will be on standby to supply millions of gallons… at a price. Environmental reports from around the world, from South America to Asia, reveal that wherever there is a Coca-Cola bottling plant its arrival is usually followed by chronic shortages of fresh water.

There is, of course, already a dire water shortage in Gaza (as the Friends of Al-Aqsa website points out); a recent World Bank report revealed that the water purification and sewage treatment infrastructure in Gaza is on the verge of collapse following Israel’s various attacks over the past few years. Access to water on tap is limited on average to 6-8 hours for 1-4 days a week for the population of Gaza, so it is almost inconceivable that the Coca-Cola Company would divert water ear-marked for ordinary Palestinians. Isn’t it?

I imagine that the businessmen cashing in on the water shortage will also be sourcing another vital ingredient of Coca-Cola, sugar, for the new Gaza plant, although where those behind the factory will get the much-needed reliable power supply is anyone’s guess. The Palestinians living in the enclave face regular and lengthy power cuts; only 30 per cent are hooked up to an intermittent service and the hospitals rely heavily on emergency generators for routine supplies.

I’ve walked through the debris of what was once an industrial estate in Gaza; it was razed to the ground during Operation Cast Lead in 2008/9 and Palestinians have been unable to rebuild it ever since. Thousands of factories which once provided tens of thousands of jobs are no longer there. Coca-Cola executives must have obtained some guarantees from Tel Aviv that Israel’s pinpoint accurate missiles will not target the new factory.

My scepticism about the whole project is shared by the head of a messianic Jewish ministry, albeit for different reasons. While Jan Markell, founder and director of US-based Olive Tree Ministries, agrees that “tens of thousands of jobs” are needed to pull Gaza out of the “disaster of war”, she added: “Will it just become a haven for rockets and other kinds of weapons? I have a feeling it will. I think Coca Cola is absolutely out of their minds to do this.”

The factory will be located in Gaza’s Karmi industrial zone and will cost $20 million to build It is intended to employ 1,000 workers, according to a report on the Israeli NRG news site. More conservative sources estimate that just 400 jobs will be created; either figure is but a drop in the ocean that are Gaza’s unemployment statistics.

The project’s initiators are Palestinian entrepreneurs Munib Al-Masri and Zahi Khouri. Mr Khouri is the chairman of the Palestinian National Beverage Company and owns three Coca-Cola franchises in the West Bank.

Coca Cola says that, in addition to providing hundreds of jobs for Palestinians, the new factory will lead to the launch of social programmes. Forgive me for asking, but if Coca-Cola was genuine in wanting to help the Palestinian people shouldn’t it demand an end to the Israeli-led land, air and sea siege of Gaza? If Coca-Cola really wanted to help it would pay taxes directly to the Hamas-controlled Gaza government rather than the corrupt Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority. Hamas has now been removed from the European Union’s terror list in an acknowledgement that it should not have been put there in the first place, so the corporate giant shouldn’t feel compromised. Some would argue, moreover, that ethics and principles have never got in the way of Coca-Cola’s ambitions before.

It’s worth remembering that while the company developed the image of Coke as a patriotic American drink, and that drinking it was somehow synonymous with fighting against the enemies of freedom and democracy in the thirties, it also did business in Nazi Germany. It was there, apparently, that the “Coca-Cola logo rested comfortably next to the swastika“.

While Tel Aviv is always keen to revive horrific memories of Nazi atrocities during World War II and hunting those who worked closely with and within the Third Reich, it seems to have developed political amnesia over this episode. Of course, perhaps to atone for collaborating with the Nazi regime, Coca-Cola’s support for the Zionist State is unstinting, which has made it a prime target of the BDS movement. Coca-Cola claims that “a small number of politically motivated groups” are going after the company “for the furtherance of their own anti-multinational agenda.” It denies that its actions in India, for example, have contributed to depleting local aquifers, saying that allegations are “without any scientific basis.”

In its mission statement Coca-Cola says that it wants:

To refresh the world – in mind, body and spirit

To inspire moments of optimism – through our brands and actions

To create value and make a difference everywhere we engage

If it is at all sincere about this then the company should use its corporate might and influence in Israel to get the siege lifted and stop the Zionist state from developing its apartheid system against the Palestinians. My fridge is a Coca-Cola free zone and will remain that way until the company puts the Palestinian people before profits

Weather: Temperatures forecast to be slightly warmer tomorrow

The Met Office is forecasting a dry and clear evening for Teesside, with a widespread frost and patchy fog or low cloud.

It will be cold and dry in the region overnight with a minimum temperature of -5C.

Temperatures will drop to zero by 11pm tonight - and not be a great dealer warmer beforehand this evening.

And they are forecast to reach a high of 5 degrees mid-afternoon tomorrow before falling away again.

Wind speeds are around the 6mph mark overnight with gusts of up to 18mph.

Tomorrow will be another dry day with some bright spells and will feel a little less cold than today.

Man remains in critical condition after being involved in 'horrific' Christmas morning street attack

A man is still fighting for his life after he was involved in a “horrific” Christmas Day attack.

The 49-year-old man - named locally and on social media as Mark Tinkler - was the victim of an alleged serious assault in Skelton.

Police confirmed several members of the public tried to intervene and help the man, who suffered significant head injuries during the alleged attack.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police today said the victim remains in a critical but stable condition at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital.

Police attended Hylton Avenue at around 6.10am on December 25 after neighbours called the emergency services.

Three men - aged 29, 30 and 51 - were arrested on suspicion of assault and have been bailed pending further inquiries.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told The Gazette that the scene was “horrific” with “blood everywhere.”

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “The alleged attack happened on the street and officers know a number of witnesses were present.

“Police are grateful for information they have already received from several people, but believe there are others who have not yet spoken to police and are urging these people to come forward.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Boro Taxis reveals its customers' top 10 favourite destinations

Boro Taxis has produced a top 10 of its Teesside customers’ favourite destinations.

And it appears that watching a film, eating out and a night at the pub are the favoured leisure pursuits for the firm's clientele.

The firm, which handles between 70,000 and 80,000 jobs per week, has come up with a cabbie’s guide to Teesside’s destination hotspots, based on the calls it receives.

And it seems many people are heeding advice to take a taxi when out socialising rather than risk drink-driving.

The Boro Taxis top 10 - which are all in Middlesbrough - is:

1. Cineworld, Marton Road

2. Swatters Carr pub, Linthorpe Road

3. Akbars Indian Restaurant, Linthorpe Road

4. Al Fornos Italian restaurant, Southfield Road

5. Lloyds bar, Newport Crescent

6. Walkabout, Corporation Road

7. The Empire Nightclub, Corporation Road

8. The Keys, Linthorpe Road

9. Sopranos Pizzas, Wilson Street

10. Pig Iron pub, Corporation Road

Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for J D Wetherspoon, which owns the Swatters Carr, said the chain was delighted at the popularity of the Swatters.

“We also are delighted that our customers are acting responsibly and taking a cab to and from the pub throughout the week,” he added.

Mohammed Bashir, founder of the firm, which employs nearly 900 people and has 750 cars in its fleet, said: “Our level of bookings, which totals up to 80,000 calls a week, clearly demonstrates that Teessiders like to get out and about and make the most of their spare time.

“Our research has found that our customers have an appetite for eating out, going to see the latest blockbuster movies and meeting up with their friends at the pub.

"It also captures what a great place Teesside is when it comes to having a good night out.”

Redcar driver arrested after crash which closed the A19 and left man fighting for his life

A Redcar man has been arrested in connection with a serious crash which shut the A19 for six hours and left a man fighting for his life.

The three-vehicle accident happened on the A19 southbound close to the Cleveland Tontine yesterday at 10.55am.

It involved a blue-grey Audi A2 car, a silver Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck and a blue Mazda 6S car.

The driver of the Audi A2, who is 35 and from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police today said that he remains in a critical condition.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 47-year-old man from Redcar, was arrested in connection with the collision.

He was later released on police bail.

The accident happened just south of the A172 junction and the road was closed for six hours after the collision.

Diversions were put in place while the police investigated the crash scene, vehicles were recovered and debris cleared from the road by the Highways Agency.

Witnesses or anyone who can help the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Chris Garbutt or Thirsk Roads Policing Group.

Alternatively, email Chris.Garbutt@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Police called out to THREE overturned cars already so far today

Cleveland Police officers have been called out to THREE incidents involving overturned cars so far today.

The first happened on Low Lane, near the Sporting Lodge, just after 6.05am.

The male driver was uninjured.

Another, involving a black Corsa with a female driver, happened at 6.50am on the A689 to Hartlepool, near Sappers Corner.

Damage was caused to a farm’s fence and the driver was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees to be checked over.

She is not believed to have suffered serious injuries.

The most recent came at 12.10pm in the car park of the Hollywood Bowl and Showcase Cinema at Teesside Park.

It involved a black Micra and the occupants are believed to be unharmed and out of the vehicle.

Police have now reminded drivers that, despite sunnier conditions today, there is still a lot of ice on roads and motorists should adapt their driving techniques accordingly.

Riverside Stadium wind turbine developer set to launch multi-million pound legal action against Durham Tees Valley Airport

A company involved in a scheme to power Boro’s Riverside Stadium with a wind turbine is set to launch a multi-million pound legal action against Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA).

Empowering Wind’s plan for a 136m-high turbine at the Riverside had been delayed after airport bosses raised fears about the effect it would have on passenger safety.

But Middlesbrough Council has now finally agreed to remove a condition from its planning permission for the scheme, granted in 2008, which would have seen the North Yorkshire-based developer have to pay £700,000 to DTVA before it would lift its objection.

Empowering Wind’s chief executive Paul Millinder said that the authority’s decision, made by planning officers just before Christmas, ends the long-running row between the developer and the airport.

DTVA had claimed that planes may have needed to be re-routed five miles from the stadium if Empowering Wind did not pay towards updating its air traffic control system.

Mr Millinder said work on the turbine, which would make the Riverside the UK’s first major sports venue to become self-sustainable for electricity use and allow the club to invest more money in the team, would begin next month and be completed by the end of May.

But he said that money from electricity the turbine could already have generated has been lost, and that he will look to sue DTVA to recover the company’s losses.

He said: “I would lay the blame at the door of the airport. We have lost around £2.8m from the tariff we were going to get for the electricity it generated.

“It is great news that the planning condition has been removed, but there were no grounds for it to be there in the first place.

“There is no technology available that would have been able to satisfy the airport’s submission.

“I am taking legal advice and we will be pursuing litigation against the airport for insisting on a condition that was not needed, or possibly the council for taking so long to have it removed.”

A former National Air Traffic Service expert on the operational effects of wind turbines on radar displays said the scheme would not endanger passengers at the airport, but council officers took advice from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The authority has confirmed the condition has been removed, and that the turbine could operate without compromising passenger safety.

It is understood aviation minister and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill will now question DTVA over its claims in the light of the advice from the CAA.

A DTVA spokesman said: “We are awaiting a letter from Middlesbrough Council, which will explain the rationale behind this decision.

“We have no further comment to make at this stage.”

When announced in 2013, Boro Chief Executive Neil Bausor said the scheme would give the club “a major environmental lead in football” and make extra savings to “enhance our aspirations on the field”.

Inquest opened after Matthew Russell is found dead near West End Bowling Club

An inquest has been opened into the death of a man found dead in Stockton.

Matthew James Russell was found dead on Darlington Road on the morning of December 21.

Police and an ambulance were called to a rural area near to the West End Bowling Club, Hartburn.

An inquest into the 36-year-old’s death was opened and adjourned today at Teesside Coroner’s Office at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Acting Teesside coroner Clare Bailey said: “An inquest is necessary due to the circumstances.”

Tributes were paid throughout the day on December 21 on The Gazette’s Facebook page.

One said: “He will be sadly missed by all that knew him, me for one.”

Another said: “R.I.P - was a lovely lad.”

Woman left shaken as she is sexually assaulted in gardens at 2am

A woman in her 20s was left shaken but not badly hurt after she was sexually assaulted in Middlesbrough.

She was attacked in Ayresome Gardens, off Linthorpe Road and between Parliament Road and Crescent Road, Gresham, at 2am on Saturday.

The suspect is described as an Asian man in his mid-30s to 40s, wearing a black jacket, white trousers and white trainers.

DC Paul Whitehouse of Middlesbrough’s Volume Crime Team said: “Thankfully this lady was not seriously physically harmed during this incident.

“I would reiterate the usual safety advice in that people should choose well-lit routes when they are out and about late at night.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Whitehouse on the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Your Nursery: Norton Nursery

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School/nursery name: Norton Nursery Kids Zone

Address: Berkshire Road, Norton

No. of pupils in nursery class: 14

What projects are you currently/ recently doing with the pupils? At this time of year its all about Christmas and we have been singing Christmas songs and reading Christmas stories.

The children have also made cards and gifts to take home and to decorate our nursery.

The children enjoy talking about the different ways others celebrate at this time of year, such as Hanukkah, Eid and Yule.

We have been learning about caring and sharing, being kind and thoughtful throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

Outside, the children enjoy playing in the mud kitchen and building dens under the trees. We have been looking at the changes to our plants and trees and talking about the weather. We have been making frozen sculptures and nature frames.

Contact name and number: Judith Crowe-Harland 01642554646

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Norton enjoy Boxing Day derby bragging rights as Stokesley make improbable comeback

Norton enjoyed Boxing Day bragging rights with a 1-0 derby win at home to Billingham Town in Northern League Division Two as Stokesley made an astonishing fightback from three down to draw 3-3 at Thornaby.

Andy Campbell’s Ancients have developed a welcome habit of grinding out victories this season and added three more points to their promotion bid when Rocky Andrews’ 49th minute free kick went in off unlucky Town defender Ian Bishop.

Town pushed Daniel Ballantyne up front after conceding but he was unable to come up with an equaliser when he shot over in a one-on-one with former Boro keeper David Knight.

Stokesley are now only a point behind Billingham Town in the second tier table after making it three games unbeaten with an injury time equaliser in their gritty draw at top 10 Thornaby.

Phil Horsman and former Stokesley defender Matty Crossen scored in the first half to give Thornaby the upper hand, and an own goal shortly after the break left Stokesley with a mountain to climb.

Gez Richardson started the fightback when he turned the ball home after a scrappy corner, and it gathered further momentum when Richardson was put through and squared for substitute Sean Mackin to score Stokesley’s second.

Thornaby left-back Conna Jones was sent off for a second bookable offence with 20 minutes to go and Stokesley equalised two minutes into injury time when Matty Dunford’s shot beat home keeper Michael Duff.

Stokesley boss Nick Ward said: “To come back from 3-0 down felt like a win. The boys are buzzing.”

Billingham Synthonia are the only Teesside team in Northern League action today as they take on Jarrow Roofing at home (3pm).

Boxing Day derby between Marske and Guisborough ends in entertaining draw

Marske manager Carl Jarrett and Guisborough counterpart Chris Hardy were both happy with a point after the traditional Boxing Day derby between the sides ended in a 2-2 draw.

Guisborough bossed the first half in front of a 428 crowd at the GER Stadium and looked on for a cosy win thanks to Liam O’Sullivan’s own goal and a near post Danny Earl finish.

Earl could have made it 3-0 to the visitors at half time but blazed over with the goal at his mercy, and it was Marske who did most of the pressing after the break.

Seasiders’ marksman Jamie Owens halved the deficit on his trusty left peg when an O’Sullivan throw-in was only half cleared.

Earl and Liam McPhillips missed further good chances for Guisborough either side of Marske winger Josh MacDonald’s straight red for going through fellow substitute Chay Liddle just beyond halfway.

And new signing Thomas Bott made the Priorymen pay when he cracked in his first Marske goal six minutes from time, rifling home a low diagonal low drive to ensure honours finished even.

Jarrett said: “It was as if we were still in bed in the first half. We were lazy and didn’t try and press them high, like we’d talked about.

“They should have put us away with the chances they had, but I thought we were the better team in the second half, even with 10 men, and got a decent result that we will take.”

Hardy added: “We were the better side in the first half with gears, but we didn’t come out second half.

“We conceded a lot of territory and fair play to Marske, they put us under.

“We had two good chances at 2-1 to really sew the game up and didn’t do that.

“On reflection I think a point was a fair result.”

The point keeps Marske in third while Guisborough moved up a place to fourth.

Death of man found outside central Middlesbrough guest house not being treated as suspicious

The death of a man found in a Teesside street just before Christmas is not being treated suspicious.

Cleveland Police made the confirmation today after a man was found dead in Newlands Road, central Middlesbrough, on Tuesday, December 23.

The Abbey Guest House in Newlands Road was cordoned off by police after the body was found at around 11.50am.

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A woman said she rang police after seeing a man, who has not been named, who looked like he was asleep in the garden.

She told the Gazette: “He looked like he was sleeping. I rang the police and asked them to go and see him as he could get poorly if he stays there.”

Police and ambulance crews arrived minutes later but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A file will now be prepared for the coroner.

Q: How did quiz machine end up standing in the middle of the street?

How did this quiz machine end up standing in a busy road in central Middlesbrough?

That is the question police are currently looking to tackle as they investigate how the machine came to end up in Borough Road.

The machine could be seen outside The Springfield Hotel this morning. Its owner is currently unknown.

Police have been informed and two officers were seen to arrive in the area at about 9am today.

The force is now investigating to find out who owns the machine.

Teesside shoppers brave queues for post Christmas sales with 'Boxing Day getting busier every year'

Shoppers braved the queues to pick up a bargain in the traditional post-Christmas sales.

Traffic was at gridlock in and out of Teesside Park on Saturday, while shoppers were handed numbered tickets for entry to the Boxing Day sale at Next at the retail park.

Stores have also been busy in Middlesbrough and Stockton town centres since Boxing Day.

Peter Drabble, centre manager at the Hillstreet centre in Middlesbrough, said: “Boxing Day is getting busier every year. We didn’t see huge queues but there is always the problem that there is no public transport on that day, so we did very well for what is expected.

“We are on course for hitting our target of 1.2 million visitors into the centre during December, which is excellent.

“In November alone we had 950,000.

“Sales do help bring in the shoppers, and sales at Primark, Pandora, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer always act as anchors to bring in high footfall.”

Busy shops are a story replicated throughout the entire Christmas period.

Mr Drabble continued: “We have seen a really buoyant Christmas period, with strong sales across the centre.

“This demonstrates the upturn we’ve been seeing in the economy and the commitment of people in Middlesbrough and across Teesside to shop in the town centre.

“Many of our retailers have reported an uplift in sales.

“We’re expecting Hillstreet to remain very busy right up to the new year.”

One shop which has seen a roaring trade is the Middlesbrough branch of jewellery chain Pandora.

A roped-off area for queues that stretch round the side of the shop has been a familiar sight this year. Kelly Rusk, supervisor at the store, said: “I think the queues started in November. It has been busy, like it has been for a few years, but we have had more staff on this year to keep the queue flowing and the system has been welcomed by shoppers.

“The Pandora sale started on Boxing Day, and we saw a lot of people come in to spend their Christmas money. Rings are the most popular item.”

One couple queuing outside the shop were Colin Bell, 49 and his wife Judie, from Stockton.

Colin said: “We were out on Boxing Day and got some bargains in the Boots’ sale. It’s good to see places busy.”

2nd Norton Brownies hope Wish campaign will help to create more exciting opportunities

A group of Norton Brownies are hoping for more exciting opportunities ahead with the help of Gazette’s readers in this year’s Wish campaign.

Formed in the 1950s, the 2nd Norton Brownies comprise 24 girls, aged between seven and 10, who meet once a week to take part in a variety of fun activities, with an emphasis on the outdoor world. The girls, who meet at St Joseph’s church in Norton, also go on various trips away, giving them the opportunity for residential stays.

After entering the Wish campaign last year, the group used the money they received to subsidise the cost of a residential trip to York.

Danielle Cutler, who joined the unit as a seven-year-old more than 20 years ago and is still part of the group today, said: “We intend to use the funding to replace equipment and give the girls many more exciting opportunities to take part in things they may never get the chance to do.”

Every year, The Gazette’s Wish campaign gives away thousands of pounds to not-for-profit groups organisations benefiting the Teesside community. Each registered group will be guaranteed a share of our £40,000 fund.

The more tokens a group collects, the bigger its share of the prize pot.

Tokens are now appearing daily in The Gazette. The last token will appear on January 21.

Submissions for tokens will close at 5pm on Monday, February 23.

To help the 2nd Norton Brownies, send your tokens to: 27 Pulford Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees, Teesside, TS20 1QY.

Boosbeck pensioner who was victim of attack is buoyed by support of his community

A pensioner who was the victim of an attack has been buoyed by the support of his community.

Harry Campbell, who was found in his Boosbeck flat with serious head injuries in October, remains in Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital.

But the 66-year-old has been told of the efforts local people are going to to make sure his home is spruced up in time for his discharge.

Last week, dozens of people turned out to a prize bingo for Harry.

The event, at The Boosbeck Hotel, aimed to raise money to bring the living room where he was found back to a suitable condition.

Residents hope to fit new carpets, paint the room and fill Harry’s fridge.

People have also been offering their services - with Paul Kane from P&K Decorators in Middlesbrough among those offering to give up time.

“We raised £377 with the bingo and a raffle,” said Marlene Brown, a Boosbeck resident and organiser.

“Harry has been told of the turn out for him. We want to thank everyone for there kindness and best wishes. He really appreciates it.”

Mr Campbell was found on October 25. He was in a critical condition for some time but is now recovering well and is expected home next month.

Glyn Sullivan, 40, of The Garth, in Whitby, has been charged with attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle and drugs offences, in connection with the incident. He appeared at Teesside Crown Court on December 10 and was remanded in custody until February 20. He has yet to enter a plea.

A 37-year-old man, who was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, remains on bail pending further inquiries.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Neighbours describe 'horrific' Christmas Day street attack as families woke to open presents

Neighbours have described their shock after a “horrific” Christmas Day attack left a man in critical condition in hospital.

A 49-year-old man - named locally and on social media as Mark Tinkler - was the victim of an alleged serious assault in Skelton.

Police attended Hylton Avenue at around 6.10am on December 25 after neighbours called the emergency services.

Three men, aged 29, 30 and 51, were arrested on suspicion of assault and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Those living in the street described told The Gazette how the “distressing” scene unfolded as families woke up to open their Christmas presents.

Bob Hall, 57, said: “I was already up, and I saw my next door neighbour walking past the window.

“I didn’t know why he was out there, but I thought I would open the door and wish him Merry Christmas. When I did, I saw fighting across the street.

“Someone looked like they were booting something, and when I looked closer it was a person on the floor in some bushes. I saw my neighbour, who had been in the Forces, and he was stood behind his car waiting to help the man and told me to stay in the house and not to get involved.”

When the attack ended, Bob and his wife Kim, a nurse, rushed out with blankets to join his neighbours trying to help the man.

“He had no shirt on, and I think he was bare-footed and it was freezing. His face was awfully swollen and bloodied, and I would say he had massive facial injuries. It was very serious.

“The whole scene was distressing for everyone. Thankfully it wasn’t that little bit later, because there are a lot of children around here who might have seen it.

“It certainly put a dampener on Christmas Day. We opened our presents, but it was a bit of a damp squib.”

Police blocked off the entrance to Hylton Avenue and cordoned off an area of the street, with forensics teams visiting on Boxing Day.

Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “It was horrific. There was blood everywhere.

“A lot of people went out to try and help him, but he seemed to be unconscious and was struggling to breathe.

“I’d never seen anything like it.”

Police confirmed several members of the public tried to intervene and help the victim, who suffered significant head injuries during the alleged attack.

He remains in a critical but stable condition in James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “The alleged attack happened on the street and officers know a number of witnesses were present.

“Police are grateful for information they have already received from several people, but believe there are others who have not yet spoken to police and are urging these people to come forward.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Spurs youngster Milos Veljkovic admits he wants to stay at Boro

Milos Veljkovic has admitted he wants to stay at Boro.

The Serbian Spurs midfielder on a loan deal that is due to expire in January.

But after making his full debut for Boro in the goalless draw at Blackburn he has revealed he is eager to extend that.

But he says he has yet to sit down to discuss his Riverside future with head coach Aitor Karanka, who says he still hasn’t made his mind up about the Serb – although the fact he played may be a clue.

“I hope I can stay longer,” he said. “I didn’t speak with the gaffer yet but I hope we can talk soon. I thought I played well and I enjoyed it.

“I had to wait two months to start a game but I have trained hard and had to wait for my opportunity.”

The Serb went on to say the whole team was frustrated by the result in a game they dominated.

“It was a difficult game and it feels a little like a defeat,” he said.

“In the end we had some very good chances and we should have taken them and won. It is very frustrating.”