A Buddhist monk in Newcastle says he was attacked with a "rapid flurry of strikes" to his face by balaclava-clad youths on an electric bike while walking through his local park.
Karucha Sripramote, known locally as Monk Kom, said he was walking through Hebburn Riverside Park when he was "repeatedly harassed" by a youth on an electric bike. The 34-year-old, who has lived in Newcastle for six years, said the boy blocked his path, flicked dirt at him and then began punching him in the face.
Attack details
Karucha said the youth first sounded a horn behind him and shouted. "I was aware of him, but could not hear clearly due to my earphones, so I simply moved aside to avoid his path," he said. "He then rode in front of me to block my way and continued shouting. I pointed to my earphones and waved my hand to indicate that I had no wish to engage."
He continued: "He then rode closer, turned his bike, and deliberately spun his rear wheel to throw grass and dirt over me. I tried to walk away, but he followed and repeated the action." Karucha said he approached the boy to ask him to stop, but grew concerned he might ride directly at him. "I held onto his sleeve to keep distance and reason with him safely, at which point he began punching me repeatedly in the face," he said.
Aftermath and community response
Karucha suspects he may have been targeted because he was wearing his orange monastic robes. He said he was struck "multiple times in quick succession" and received "a rapid flurry of strikes" to his face before the youth's companion emerged from elsewhere in the park and kicked him with "full force", sending him crashing to the ground. He estimates the boys were aged between 12 and 15.
His glasses were damaged during the assault and he suffered a cut to his lip. The incident took place at around 3.30pm on Tuesday. Northumbria Police is investigating the report.
Karucha said: "Groups of youths wearing balaclavas frequently ride e-bikes dangerously close to pedestrians in this area to intimidate them. It has happened to me before, but this was the first time it escalated to physical violence. My only hope in speaking out is to prevent someone else from getting badly hurt."
He added: "Initially, I intended to let it pass and carry on quietly with my life. However, I realised that staying silent might leave other members of the public, especially elderly residents and families, vulnerable to escalating behaviour."
Karucha said he has been "deeply touched" by the "overwhelmingly kind and supportive" response from local residents, receiving warm messages and flowers from the community. In a message of gratitude posted on the Dhammakaya Meditation Centre of Newcastle Facebook page, he wrote: "I have lived in Hebburn for over six and a half years; I know first-hand how kind, welcoming, and peaceful this town is. This single incident does not change how much I value and appreciate living here."
He added: "As a Buddhist monk, I contemplate life through understanding, patience, and the principle of cause and effect (Kamma). I hold no anger, resentment, or bitterness towards the young lads. While their actions crossed a line, panic and poor judgement often lead young people to react recklessly."
Karucha revealed he has "no lasting injuries" and has now "almost completely healed" following the attack. He said: "My only hope is that these young lads take a moment to reflect on the kind of community they wish to grow up in. The way we treat others inevitably shapes the environment our own loved ones and families live in."
