Sophie Doughty

Linda Hall, of Seghill in Northumberland, has been charged with causing the death of 81-year-old retired teacher Rita Grimshaw by careless driving. Grimshaw, who was born in Teesside and lived in Whitley Bay, was struck by a Renault Captur at Silverlink Retail Park in North Shields on December 22 and died in hospital the following day. Hall is due to appear at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 14. Northumbria Police continue to appeal for witnesses while urging the public to avoid speculation and respect the legal process.

Two men died at Seaton Carew after entering the sea to rescue children who had gotten into difficulty, prompting coastguard teams to warn of hidden dangers and the need for water safety. Emergency crews saved the children and recovered the adults, one identified locally as Wayne Taylor. Rescue services highlighted the risks as Hartlepool RNLI conducted additional rescues the following day, including aiding individuals stranded on rocks, assisting swimmers in distress, and responding to reports of paddle boarders at risk of being swept out to sea.