NORTHUMBRIA Police have launched a second strike on the region’s most serious criminals.

And as Operation Flynn gets under way, it has emerged that of approximately 180 offenders targeted by the police, just five are in Tynedale.

The operation was first introduced in March and led to more than 99 arrests throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Now it has returned for a second strike, targeting criminals for offences including domestic violence, sexual offences and burglary.

Introduced last week, Operation Flynn made 28 arrests in its first two days.

Of the 180 offenders targeted in the Northern Command Area, two were in the Ponteland and Prudhoe area and three in the Hexham and Corbridge area.

Detective Inspector Jon Bensley said: “Five people wanted in Tynedale backs up the fact that it’s a safe place to live. People should be reassured by that.

“Looking for wanted people is business as usual for us, what’s different about Flynn is that it’s taking a more focused approach, working with partner agencies and police volunteers.

“We will look at the people causing the most harm, people who commit more offences, burglaries and those who are domestic violence offenders.”

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Metcalfe, who is overseeing Operation Flynn, said: “We hope this operation shows just how seriously we take these kind of offences.

“I am confident this work will make a significant impact on day-to-day crime in our neighbourhoods.”