Assault charge for teen

A TEENAGER has been charged with attacking a 69-year-old man who confronted a group of youths messing around with bins.

The pensioner suffered serious head injuries when he was allegedly punched to the ground and smashed his head on the floor.

It is believed the incident occurred after the man, who is still in hospital, confronted a group of youths about a disturbance on Blandford Road in North Shields.

Paramedics were called to the scene at approximately 8.30pm on Saturday, November 18, and took the seriously-injured man to the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital for treatment.

Northumbria Police said the man has been moved to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he remains in a stable condition.

Officers said the youths fled the scene following the alleged assault, and appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Less than 24 hours after issuing the appeal, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy, who has now been charged with assault.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police investigating an assault on a 69-year-old man in North Shields have arrested and charged a teenager.

“Following enquiries, a 16-yearold male youth has been charged with assault and is due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates’ court on December 12.”

She added that officers were no longer looking for anyone else in connection with the alleged attack.