Ingleby Barwick: Man, 52, charged with attempted murder

Thomas Kwan, 52, of Brading Court, Ingleby Barwick, has been charged by Northumbria Police.

He is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today (February 7).

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Following a report of suspected poisoning which was received on Wednesday, January 24, Thomas Kwan, 52, of Brading Court, Ingleby Barwick, has been charged with attempted murder.

"He is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday)."

Yesterday, emergency services including fire appliances, police and forensics turned up at a property in Ingleby Barwick.

Police confirmed they were responding after the discovery of an "unknown substance" on the property. They stressed there was no risk to the community.

Initially firefighters in yellow Hazmat suits entered the house before the police went in to investigate.

Last night, a Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "As part of an ongoing investigation, an address in the Ingleby Barwick area of Stockton was being searched.

"This led to the discovery of unknown substances and as a precaution, officers are conducting further checks at the property.

"There is believed to be no wider risk to the public and enquiries are ongoing."

Cleveland Police issued a statement last night to say that they were supporting Northumbria Police with the investigation.

A spokesperson said: "Cleveland Police are supporting Northumbria Police with an ongoing investigation following the discovery of an unknown substance in Brading Court, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton.

"The local community will see an increased police presence in the area, as officers who are experts in handling substances visit the property. 

"The public should be reassured there is no risk to the community’s safety."

At about 10.30pm officers were seen leaving the house with a box and placing items into a bucket.

The ambulances and fire appliances then left the scene, while police remained.

Photos from the second day:

An eyewitness, who did not wish to be named last night, said: "They have erected two tents in the back garden. 

"Six police officers, who are fully protected in blue Hazmat suits, with masks, gloves and shoe coverings have arrived. 

"You can see flashes coming from the house. One of the officers went in with a camera and he's taking photos.

"They were stood at the door and opened the door then stood back and one with the camera entered and took pictures before the others entered the property. 

"People in the neighbourhood are confused and do not what is going on."

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson previously said: “We are supporting our police colleagues as part of an ongoing investigation at an address in the Ingleby Barwick area of Stockton.

"We have dispatched two resources from our Hazardous Area Response Team to be available on standby if required.”