A man, armed with a saw, has attempted to rob two young children in Newcastle.

Image of a police van
Author: Micky WelchPublished 29th Aug 2024
Last updated 29th Aug 2024

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forwarded after two children were the victims of an attempted robbery in Newcastle.

Shortly before 11am on Tuesday, officers received a report that a boy aged 14 and his 12-year-old sister were walking through City Stadium, off Warwick Street in Heaton, when they were approached by a man.

The man, who was reported as being in possession of a saw, has then demanded that the girl hand over money.

As they attempted to run, the man has then grabbed hold of the girl – before both have managed to get away.

No property was stolen in the incident and both the boy and the girl were uninjured but left shaken.

The offender then made off towards Warwick Street.

Detective Constable Simon King, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the two children and I would like to praise them for coming forward.

“A full investigation into the report has been launched and we are asking anyone with information to contact us.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen a white man, between 5ft 10in and 5ft 11in tall, who was carrying a red-handled saw.

Detective Constable King added: “We understand people will be anxious about what has happened and we have had an increased presence in the area with officers conducting enquiries.

“We ask those with information – no matter how small or insignificant they feel it may be – to get in touch with us so that we can take the appropriate action.”

Witnesses should contact Northumbria Police either by sending a direct message on social media, using the live chat function on the Force website or completing a crime update form.

Alternatively, if you are unable to use these channels, call 101.

Please quote log number NP-20240827-0292.

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