Police Raids After Skulls Stolen In Feud

Five police forces have carried out raids across northern England aimed at ending a growing feud in the travelling community.

Around 150 officers in protective gear took part in the operation after two skulls were stolen from a grave in what police described as a "depraved" act linked to the dispute.

Officers said a number of arrests were made during the raids in Doncaster, York, Middlesbrough, West Rainton in County Durham, and near the Baltic Centre in Gateshead.

They seized firearms and vehicles, and four people were charged with conspiracy to commit GBH.

The operation - involving Durham, Cleveland, Northumbria, North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire forces - was designed to stop growing tensions between travellers which have seen homes attacked in recent months.

A house in Darlington was petrol-bombed and a bungalow was wrecked when a horse box was driven into it.

Days later, a stolen recovery truck ploughed into another house in the town.

At the weekend, the skulls of two teenage brothers were stolen from a grave in the village of Metal Bridge, in County Durham.

Chief Inspector Caroline Dawson said the theft was "despicable" and had shocked the travelling community.

She said the raids were designed to target a small group within the community.

"Hopefully, this will get us a crucial piece of information we need to be able to repatriate the missing skulls," she said.

The desecrated grave belonged to Levi George Price and Gareth Price, who were both 16 when they died.

Levi George was found hanged in the garden of his home in Ferryhill in 2001, while Gareth was found hanged in a young offenders' institution in 2005, hours before he was due to be sentenced for raping a 17-year-old girl.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Green said the graveyard attack was firmly linked to the feud.

"This has taken things too far," he said. "It is depraved and goes against the religious and cultural beliefs of decent people."