A passenger subjected to antisemitic and homophobic abuse on a Metro platform has begged for witnesses to come forward after a police investigation into the attack was closed.
The man, who ChronicleLive has agreed not to name, claims he was targeted on a platform at Monument Metro Station as he made his way home from Tynemouth Market in May. The victim said he was wearing a Kippah headcover and a Star of David necklace when he was approached by four teenagers who tried to pull his hat from his head.
Investigation closed without further action
Police later arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident. The teen was questioned on suspicion of common assault before being released under investigation. However, the victim has now been told the suspect will face no further police action and the assault investigation has been closed.
The man, who lives in Gateshead, has renewed his plea for witnesses to contact police in the hope the case can be reopened.
Victim's plea
He said: "I'm just very disappointed. If there is anyone that can remember seeing anything at all please come forward. It would just restore my faith in humanity. People shouldn't be able to get away with this. It's not something you can go around doing, it shouldn't be acceptable, the Metro should be a safe place."
The incident happened just two days after the Government announced that the UK terror threat level had been raised to severe following an antisemitic attack in Golders Green, in London, which saw two Jewish men stabbed.
Details of the attack
The victim told ChronicleLive he identifies as "culturally Jewish" and is in the early stages of formally converting to Judaism. He said he had just got off the Metro when he was approached by four lads who started saying "Israel" and "Netanyahu" before pulling his Kippah off his head. The man, who is openly gay, said he was also subjected to homophobic abuse during the attack.
The man, who has cerebral palsy and walks with a limp, said he was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) by ambulance for treatment to cuts and bruises to his face, head, chest, ribs, back, arms, elbows, hips and ankles.
At the time, Erika Allen, Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: "Any kind of violence, hate and intimidation will not be tolerated on the Tyne and Wear Metro."
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number: NP-20260502-0729.
