Staff at a busy Shields Road pub were called into action after a seriously injured member of the public entered seeking help following an attack in the street. A large police cordon remains in place on Shields Road after the assault at around 7:30pm, which left one person being taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) for treatment.
The Raby, located on the corner of the usually bustling Newcastle road, has shared details of how the individual entered the premises pleading for assistance. A post on the pub's Facebook page stated: "A member of the public, who also comes into the bar and treats everyone with respect, came into the pub requiring assistance. The incident did not take place on the premises; it occurred on Shields Road, and the individual came into the pub seeking help. Our bar staff provided assistance until the police and ambulance service arrived."
Local Green Party councillor Nick Hartley also shared a message with residents, expressing sympathy for those affected and promising to "work with police" following the assault. He said: "Buses that normally go down Shields Road are continuing to find diversions up Heaton Park Road and Heaton Road this morning. Shields Road between Heaton Road and the old Parrish building remains cordoned off by the police as they continue their work following last night’s serious incident. The bus stops outside of that section remain active. Along with my Byker councillor colleagues Cllr Jamie Anderson and Hedley Sugar-Wells, we have been in touch with the police to keep updated on this situation. Our thoughts right now are with everyone affected, and we will continue to work with the police, community safety officers, residents, local businesses, and the council to build safety in our communities. We will say more on that in the coming weeks."
Earlier, both the North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance at the scene, with the victim being taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment. Police have stated that there is 'no wider risk to the public'.
