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Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each day we'll bring you some of the latest stories from the North East – from breaking news and top stories to NUFC updates.
Today we bring you the news that the Vatican has launched an investigation into an alleged lockdown sex party at Newcastle cathedral.
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The Roman Catholic church is said to be examining the alleged incident as part of their inquiry into Robert Byrne's resignation as the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in December. The Archbishop of Liverpool, who is leading the investigation, has been asked to prepare 'an in-depth report into the events leading up to Bishop Byrne's resignation', The Sunday Times reported.
There is no suggestion that Bishop Byrne was at the alleged party or was aware of it, our reporter Kali Lindsay wrote.
During lockdown, Father Michael McCoy, who was the dean at the time, allegedly asked several worshippers if they would like to attend a 'sex party' inside a property adjoining St Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle, according to The Sunday Times.
'A number of complaints were made by individuals within the diocese after information came to light about a sex party taking place in the priests' living quarters attached to Newcastle cathedral,' a source told the newspaper.
A Hexham and Newcastle diocese spokesman said: "The Diocese had previously invited the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) to conduct a review following the resignation of Bishop Byrne in December 2022.
"Diocesan Trustees have met and have had contact with the chief executive and representatives of the CSSA this week.
"They have discussed how the review, originally scheduled to happen in May 2023, will be undertaken and how the findings will be published. The review is now underway.
"Prior to Bishop Byrne’s resignation in mid-December, Trustees were working with the Charity Commission, following their self-referral to that organisation.
"The Diocese will continue to work productively and swiftly with both organisations, learning where it needs to, not from rumours and misinformation, but from the facts and evidence provided.
"The Diocese remains fully committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and the ministry of the Church, and to providing assurance that its safeguarding procedures are appropriate and as they need to be.”
You can read more about this story here
Police have confirmed that they are now treating the death of a man in Kenton, Newcastle, as suspected murder.
The body of a man in his fifties was found by ambulance crews in a patch of grass on Brigham Close on Friday night (January 20), with the police notified at around 8.20pm.
Our breaking news reporter wrote Zac Sherratt that a large cordon was set up and a full investigation launched shortly after. On Sunday morning, police confirmed that with the man’s severe facial injuries, the incident is being treated as suspected murder.
Detective chief inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are determined to find out exactly what has happened here and get the man’s family the answers they rightly deserve.
“We believe the man was seriously assaulted on Friday night and whoever was responsible for inflicting those injuries has then left the scene. We are carrying out a huge range of enquiries in order to trace anyone believed to have been responsible."
You can read more about this story here.
We also brought you the news that a glamorous restaurant on Newcastle's Quayside has unveiled a picture-perfect new addition to its outdoor area that diners can enjoy whatever the weather.
Victors, which took over the former Las Iguanas venue last summer, has created a stunning heated conservatory that offers customers the chance to enjoy views of the Millennium Bridge without feeling the winter chill. The space is covered by a fully retractable roof and has and adaptable glass walls making it an all-weather setting for guests.
Inside, it is decorated with hanging wisteria and sage green furnishings that Victors bosses believe will be a hit with diners wanting to capture "perfect Instagram photos.”
Rhiannon Smith, general manager at Victors Newcastle, said: “We’re very excited to be launching a brand-new all-weather conservatory for our guests to enjoy this winter. The fully retractable roof also means that in the warmer months you can still enjoy the sunshine.
"In keeping with Victors signature style, you can expect plenty of outdoor spots to capture those perfect Instagram photos.”
You can read more about this story here
We also bring you the news that Newcastle United are poised for both arrivals and departures in the coming days with little over one week remaining in the transfer window. The Magpies drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Saturday night, with Eddie Howe confirming at full-time he is keen to do business.
Howe said: “As a manager, you always want more options. I’ve got no issue with the squad, strength or size. The point I was making yesterday was if we get injuries, we’d be very light.
"We’re keen to do business and keen to bring a player that can hopefully help us but as we know in this window, there are no guarantees that will happen."
After Chris Wood's untimely and unexpected exit, Newcastle suddenly feel light in attack. However, there looks to be movement at the opposite end of the pitch too, our Newcastle United Editor Aaron Stokes reports.
Karl Darlow is poised to join Championship side Hull City after seeing Loris Karius pen a new deal on Tyneside after Martin Dubravka's premature Manchester United return. Darlow is now arguably the fourth-choice stopper at the club.
As for potential arrivals, Newcastle are scouring Europe's top leagues for new blood. Wood's sudden exit earlier this week means Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth are looking for more attacking firepower.
You can read more about this story here.
That's all from us for now, in the meantime, keep up-to-date with all the latest and sign up to our newsletters here.
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