2 teenage girls arrested after reported assault on Tyne and Wear Metro
Two teenagers have been arrested – as officers continue to investigate a report of assault on a train in North Tyneside.
Two teenagers have been arrested – as officers continue to investigate a report of assault on a train in North Tyneside.
Shortly before 7.55pm on Friday, April 4, police were alerted to a disturbance on a Metro, near to Wallsend Metro Station.
Officers swiftly attended where it was reported a teenage girl had been assaulted by two other females while on board.
Those involved had already left the area before police arrival.
The victim, aged 13, was left shaken by the incident and taken to hospital to be checked over.
She sustained injuries including extensive bruising and a sprained wrist and was later discharged. The girl continues to receive support from officers.
Two teenage girls – both aged 13 – were later arrested in connection with the report on suspicion of common assault by beating.
They have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Part of their conditions mean they cannot enter a Metro station or travel on the Metro without an adult present.
Chief Inspector Dave Morrison, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since the report was first made – and this has now led to the arrest of two females.
“Of course, the victim has been left very shaken after the incident, and we will continue to support her in any way that we can.
“Let me be clear that violence of any kind is unacceptable. Everyone deserves to feel safe when travelling on our public transport networks, and we’ll continue to crackdown on pockets of disorder.”
Chief Insp Morrison added: “We carry out various activity throughout the year with partner agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminality, including Operation Early Bird and Operation Coastwatch targeting hotspot areas covering our transport hubs and coastlines.
“We are aware of footage and information circulating online, and it’s vitally important that the public refrain from sharing these posts and speculating both online and in the community.
“It goes without saying that doing this could negatively impact on our investigation. It is also important to note that anyone suspected of a crime must not be named publicly for legal reasons and those who are under 18 have anonymity.
“Our enquiries remain very much ongoing, so we’d urge anyone with further information to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”
Erika Allen, Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Director at Nexus said: “Behaviour like this is completely unacceptable and we are working closely with Northumbria Police to support the investigation.
“The safety and security of our customers is our top priority, and we will be reviewing all available CCTV footage from 4 April to help police officers identify the offenders.
“Our thoughts are with the victim of this incident, and we wish her a speedy recovery.
“Offending like this cannot be tolerated on Metro and anyone who gets caught faces prosecution, a criminal record, and a possible ban from travelling on the system.
“As the operator of Metro, we work closely with Northumbria Police all year round to target crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Operation Early Bird sees increased high-visibility police patrols with the local authority and Nexus in North Tyneside’s coastal areas to tackle any emerging issues ahead of the summer season.
The targeted approach is taking place ahead of Operation Coastwatch, which runs throughout late spring and the summer months in the borough, with officers and partners taking swift action to prevent incidents of disorder during any forecasted warm weather.
Northumbria Police also has a team of officers dedicated to policing parts of the Metro network alongside British Transport Police.