A man was allegedly stabbed during a broad daylight street brawl on Westgate Road in Newcastle's West End on Monday afternoon. Eyewitnesses watched as the fight broke out, and a mother walking in the area told ChronicleLive she called police when she noticed what was happening. She said a crowd had gathered around two men and were trying to keep them apart.
Man in 20s injured, suspect arrested
Northumbria Police has confirmed that a man in his 20s was taken to hospital with injuries officers described as being "consistent with being caused by a bladed article." A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
A police spokesman said: "At 3.20pm on Monday, we received a report of a disturbance on Brighton Grove, near the junction with Westgate Road, in Newcastle. It was reported that a number of men were fighting in the street. Emergency services attended and one of the men – aged in his 20s – was found to have sustained injuries consistent with being caused by a bladed article."
Victim discharged, suspect on bail
"He was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries and was later discharged. Officers are investigating the incident and a man – aged 27– was arrested on suspicion of intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. We understand those involved in the incident are known to each other."
The mother said the incident happened when Westgate Road was busy with families and children making their way home from school. "I had actually been making my way to see my son as he finished school. However, because of the crowds and the disturbance, I was unable to safely cross the road and was delayed," she said. "I ultimately contacted the police and had to change my plans. I had also intended to attend a funeral later that day, but the disruption meant that I had to rearrange my plans and attend the funeral earlier than originally intended."
Public praised for intervening
She said the incident raised concerns about the confrontation in a busy part of Westgate Road and the impact such incidents can have on ordinary members of the public trying to get home, collect their children or continue with their day. The woman also praised the bravery of those who intervened.
"It was notable that members of the public appeared to play an important role in repeatedly creating distance between those involved and preventing the confrontation from immediately escalating further and were amazingly brave and strong," she said. "On more than one occasion, the crowds appeared to be actively trying to defuse the situation rather than allowing it to escalate further. They managed to separate the two individuals again after things became physical. One man started to cry and I gave him a tissue."
Officers are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number: 26000454127.
