Fear on streets after two violent clashes
POLICE APPEAL FOR ANY WITNESSES TO BRAWLS
A DOUBLE brawl is today being probed after violence erupted on two city streets.
Two men ended up in hospital following the two fights in Newcastle’s West End, on Sunday night, which officers believe may be linked.
Police say two groups of men, armed with knives and baseball bats, clashed on Dilston Road, in Arthur’s Hill during the Dilston Road incident. A 32-year-old man suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to hospital by paramedics.
The rest of the group fled the area, but just before 1am on Monday morning police received a call about another fight on Summerhill Street, which is part of the picturesque Summerhill conservation area near the city centre.
Here emergency services found a 21-year-old man who had suffered serious head injuries. He was taken to hospital, but again his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Today one Summerhill resident said the area had been plagued by problems over recent months.
He told the Chronicle: “There’s a lot of activity going on round here. It’s a conservation area but you wouldn’t think it. The police are aware of what’s been going on. I have lived here for 18 years, it’s a fantastic area but it’s getting worse.”
And Sajjad Hussain, who lives on Dilston Road, says he is now afraid to let his four children out the house.
The 42-year-old said: “At night time there are people sitting here drinking and there is so much noise.
“These days we don’t go out at night time. It is intimidating and it distresses the kids.”
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Inquiries into both fights are ongoing but detectives in Central CID believe that they could be linked and are now appealing for witnesses. A 21-year-old man has since been arrested by police and released under investigation but detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen either of the incidents or knows anyone who could be involved.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log 1249 10/06/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.