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A home in Middlesbrough has been raided by police today under efforts to end an escalating feud among travellers in which skulls were raided from graves.

Seven people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit GBH after raids were carried out, and firearms and vehicles were seized.

The raids were part of a major operation led by Durham Police with other forces including Cleveland, aimed at stemming the dispute in the traveller community.

The operation involved more than 150 officers across the force areas of Durham, Cleveland, North Yorkshire, Northumbria and South Yorkshire.

'Targeted response'

An address in Middlesbrough was targeted by police, as well as traveller sites in West Rainton in Durham, Gateshead, York and Doncaster.

It has not yet been confirmed whether any of the men arrested were from Teesside.

Detective Superintendant Adrian Green, of Durham Constabulary and who is leading the investigation, said: “We have raided a number of sites as part of co-ordinated strikes across the region.

“This is a targeted response in relation to the actions of a small number of travelling families.

“These raids are focused on those individuals who have been involved in criminal activities linked to a feud.

“This culminated in two skulls being taken from graves, which was a depraved act which goes against the religious and cultural beliefs of decent people.

“I would like to thank the wider travelling community for their response and co-operation in helping us with our investigation.

“They have clearly been appalled by this and want a stop put to it just as much as we do.”

Skulls of teenage brothers taken

The skulls taken from graves were those of teenage brothers Levi George and Gareth Price, both aged 16 when they took their own lives.

Chief Insp Caroline Dawson of Durham Constabulary said: “I would like to stress that we are taking this action not just to reassure the general public but the wider travelling community as well.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information to contact us in complete confidence.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact officers on 101 quoting log number 0217 of November 21 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.