Five arrested on suspicion of kidnap offences after South Shields garage searched as part of cannabis farm investigation

Northumbria Police has confirmed the men have been questioned in connection with an ongoing investigation sparked by a drug farm inquiry in South Tyneside.

While the men have been released as inquiries continue, two people believed to be from Vietnam are being given the support of the authorities.

The Gazette understands the arrests were made as extensive searches were carried out a commercial garage in Mitre Place, off Temple Town, over two days.

Witnesses saw a large police presence in the area as inquiries focused on an address in the industrial estate, which is home to more than a dozen businesses.

A spokesperson added: “We have arrested five people in connection with an ongoing investigation into a suspected cannabis farm in South Tyneside.

“We received a report of suspicious vehicles at a garage in South Shields.

“Officers executed a warrant and following a search of the premises, discovered a number of vehicles linked to an ongoing investigation.

“As part of the investigation, two people believed to be from Vietnam, have been safeguarded.

“Two men, aged 56 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap and have since been released under investigation.

“A 42-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap and was released on police bail and two men, aged 26 and 33, were arrested on suspicion of kidnap have been released on police bail.”