Three arrested after two 'drug-related' deaths and weapons seized in Gateshead

Three people have been arrested after the deaths of two men in Gateshead which are believed to be drug-related.

One man in his 30s and another in his 50s died at two properties in Gateshead. Police carried out searches at a property on Claremont South Avenue on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the deaths.

They discovered equipment related to the production of drugs and weapons. Two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, and a woman in her 30s have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, all three of whom remain police custody.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We are carrying out an investigation following the deaths of two men in Gateshead. While enquiries are at a very early stage, officers believe the deaths of the men aged in their 30s and 50s to be drug-related.

"As part of our ongoing investigation, we have carried out a search of an address on Claremont South Avenue in the Bensham area. Officers discovered equipment related to the production of drugs and weapons.

"Two men - aged in their 20s and 30s - and a woman in her 30s have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. All three individuals remain in police custody.

"Enquiries remain ongoing to establish if the deaths could be linked."