Appeal to find key witness after attack on teen outside Co-op

Shortly before 9pm on February 21, Northumbria Police officers received a report of an assault outside the Co-op on Grangewood Court, in Shiney Row.

Police attended and a 16-year-old was taken to hospital with non-life threatening head injuries. The force said he has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

An investigation was launched and police arrested two youths – aged 15 and 16 – on suspicion of assault. They have both since been released under investigation.

Enquiries are ongoing into the assault, and as part of their enquiries, detectives have now identified a key witness that they would like to speak to.

A man thought to be in his 40s or 50s left the Co-op moments before the assault holding a bottle of wine. Police hope that he may have valuable information that can assist detectives.

Detective Constable Lindsay Kyle, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a particularly nasty assault that resulted in the victim being hospitalised for a number of days due to the wounds he sustained.

“This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we are determined to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“I would ask the man detailed above to please get in touch with us at the soonest opportunity.”

The man, or any witnesses who are yet to come forward, are asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1193 210220 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.