POLICE APPEAL AFTER SERIOUS ASSAULT AND HATE CRIME IN NEWCASTLE

Police have issued an appeal to identify a group of people who may be able to assist with an investigation into a serious assault and hate crime in Newcastle city centre.

The incident happened at around 3am on Tuesday, April 14, outside a premises on Times Square.

According to police, a man was approached and assaulted by another man who was not known to him. Two women who were with the victim challenged the offender, who then allegedly directed homophobic comments towards them.

A further confrontation followed, during which both women were reportedly struck in the head. One woman was knocked unconscious, while the other was left seriously injured.

The suspects then fled the area towards Newcastle Central Station. The incident was reported to nearby security staff before being passed to police.

All three victims required hospital treatment. The male victim suffered a broken nose, while one woman sustained a perforated eardrum. The second woman was treated for a fractured cheek and eye socket.

Officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries since the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage from the area.

Police are now appealing for information and have released images of several people who were believed to have been in the vicinity at the time and may be able to assist with the investigation.

Anyone who recognises those pictured, or who has information that could help officers with their enquiries, is asked to contact Northumbria Police.