Northumbria Police investigate after Sunderland busker suffers injuries in city centre incident
The incident has been reported to the police
Police are investigating how a busker was injured following an early-morning city centre incident.
Sunderland singer Elaine Rennie, who appeared as Belinda Carlisle in television series Stars in their Eyes, was left with a cut and suspected broken nose in Vine Place, Sunderland, after football fans emptied pubs on Sunday, July 12, following England’s 2-1 late-night World Cup victory over Norway.
Elaine, 55, who lives in Sunderland, said: “It was around 1.30am in the morning and I had just finished my first song as people were coming out of the pubs following the England game.
“A man then turned up and picked up my guitar. I thought he was going to run off with it and so I asked him to give it back, which he didn’t do.”
During the resulting struggle, Elaine said she was struck on her head by the guitar.
She said: “I was left with a cut across my nose which was pouring with blood and a lump above my eye which has now turned into a black eye.”
Concerned about the extent of her injuries, Elaine called the North East Ambulance Service who transported her to Sunderland Royal Hospital.
She added: “I went to the Urgent Care Department and the doctor said my nose is now bent to the right and appears to be broken. I have to go back in later this week so they can reset it into place. I was light headed and the doctors also said I was suffering from concussion.
“I was scared about what had happened and felt really shook up. When it first happened, I thought I was going to pass out.”
Elaine said she has reported the incident to the police.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 2.30am on Sunday, July 12, we received a report of a woman being injured on Vine Place in Sunderland city centre.
“The woman, aged in her 50s, was reported to have sustained non-serious facial injuries.
“Inquires into the report are ongoing.
“Anyone with information regarding the report should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the force’s website.
“For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101. Please quote reference number 26000397814.”