Live News: October 17, 2012 (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

4:10pm

BIKER HURT: A motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital after a crash in Middleton St George, near Darlington. He is thought to have suffered pelvic, leg and arm injuries in the collision, which took place at about 2pm.

2:55pm

Durham WILL get a Business Improvement District - 86 per cent support in ballot of city centre businesses.

2:43pm

After ten years of bitter wrangling, two local firms have been given the go-ahead to develop Leeming Bar Services and truck stop on the recently upgraded stretch of the A1.

Carl Les, owner of Motel Leeming Services, and Michael Exelby, who runs Exelby Services and truck stop, said they were delighted they could finally move forward and secure more than 100 jobs in the region with the view to employ more in the future.

2:28pm

2:27pm

2:27pm

1:51pm

The Serbian FA today denied any forms of racism towards the England Under-21 team last night and said Sunderland defender Danny Rose behaved in an "inappropriate, unsportsmanlike and vulgar manner towards their fans". Matt Westcott, assistant news editor.

1:17pm

The A689 at Sedgefield has reopened following the fatal road traffic accident that killed a 19-year-old man this morning.

Click here to read the full story

12:39pm

Day two of the inquest into the death of Lenny McCourt has been told that police used pepper spray during his arrest in Seaham. Evidence has also been heard this morning that the 44-year-old father-of-two had a pre-existing heart condition. The inquest, taking place at Crook, is due to last three weeks.

12:30pm

Pupils missed fewer lessons last year as children took less time off sick, official figures suggest.
The absence rate in England’s state primary and secondary schools fell slightly to 5%, according to Government data.

Nigel Burton, assistant editor

12:28pm

Prime Minister David Cameron was ‘‘appalled’’ by the ugly scenes at the end of the England Under-21 football team’s match against Serbia last night. Nigel Burton, assistant editor

12:26pm

David Cameron has pledged new legislation to force energy companies to offer the lowest prices.

Nigel Burton, assistant editor

12:25pm

11:43am

Details coming in of armed robbery at Butterknowle where occupants were tied up. Matt Westcott, assistant news editor

10:57am

Unemployment in the North-East has fallen by 11,000 over the last quarter. The number of people out of work in the region now stands at 129,000 or 9.9 per cent. Better than recent months but still above the national rate of 7.9 per cent.

Joe Willis, Regional chief reporter

10:42am

Emotional interview with Danny Rose now on our website following last nights disgraceful scenes in Serbia. Matt Westcott, assistant news editor.

Read the full interview here

10:31am

Inquest to resume this morning into the death of Lenny McCourt, who died in police custody in September 2010. The 44-year-old father-of-two was arrested during a street disturbance in Seaham. Inquest taking place at Crook is expected to hear evidence about his death from pathologists later today.

10:28am

Sunderland's Danny Rose condemns the racist chanting during and after England's Under 21 game in Serbia. His reaction on our website soon. Matt Westcott, assistant news editor

10:27am

Expecting result of vote on whether Durham should have a Business Improvement District at noon. 

Mark Tallentire, Durham reporter