Man found with facial injuries after suspected noxious substance attack on home

The incident happened this morning in Somerset Road, Hebburn, and a man in his 40s was found with facial injuries,

It is believed that the injuries were caused by a noxious substance, and the man has been taken to hospital for treatment.

Police were called to the address at about 5.50am, and on arrival, officers found a window had been smashed.

Inquiries are ongoing into the incident to establish the circumstance and trace the offenders.

Officers are in the area to speak to residents who may be concerned and offer reassurance.

One resident said: “I didn’t know anything until about 6 o’clock this morning when the police knocked me out of bed to ask if I heard anything.

“We hadn’t because we sleep out the back but when we came down to look there were police everywhere. There were three cars, a dog unit, a police van, and an ambulance.

“The couple were both taken away but brought back later on by the police. They went in the house for a little while then were taken away by the police again.”

Anyone with information about the incident can either pass this to an officer on patrol or ring 101 and quote reference 99 14/03/16, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.