Neighbours in fear after youth slashed

Jul 21 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

TWO youths were arrested on Tyneside over the weekend after a teenager was slashed in the face in a suspected knife attack.

It happened at around 11.10pm on Friday following reports of a fight in Ayton Street, Byker, Newcastle.

The 17-year-old victim refused hospital treatment, despite suffering a three-and- a-half inch gash police say was consistent with a knife wound.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding while a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Neighbours on Ayton Street yesterday expressed their concern about knife- related crime taking place outside their homes.

Former labourer Alan Arrowsmith, 61, said he regularly felt threatened by groups of youths hanging around on the street.

“It’s a real problem. What are they doing out there on my doorstep at midnight anyway?

“There could be drugs or drink involved. There needs to be something done quickly. It’s worrying that it’s happening with young people. You just can’t relax if there’s five or six of them out there.

“You have to have the power to move them on. We have these wardens but they can’t be here through the night as well.”

Meanwhile, James Joicey, 78, a former postman, said: “We need more police on the streets – it’s really worrying. Around here it’s usually quiet so this is a surprise.

“You should bring national service back – it’s obvious.

“They need discipline these kids and the police’s hands are tied.”

Around two hours earlier on the same night, police responded to a report of a man seen with a knife on Blyth Street, Chopwell, Gateshead.

Officers were also alerted to a 41-year-old local man who had been stabbed in Severn Street, Chopwell. He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead and his condition was described as serious but stable.

His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Two men – aged 21 and 33 – were arrested in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, early on Saturday, a man suffered injuries police believed were caused with an axe on Sunderland Road, Felling, Gateshead.

A 28-year-old man suffered a gash to his hand and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.

Police arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of wounding.

Anyone with information on any of the incidents can contact Northumbria Police on 0345 604-3043.