A man in his 50s has been arrested following an alleged knife attack on a police officer at a petrol station in Gateshead. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon when Northumbria Police stopped a suspicious vehicle in the Leam Lane area.
According to police reports, the tense situation unfolded at around 3:50 PM. Officers identified a vehicle of interest and pulled it over. The driver then allegedly assaulted a male police officer with a bladed weapon, slashing his arm before fleeing on foot.
The suspect did not get far. Police quickly apprehended him in the Rodsley Avenue area of Gateshead. The injured officer received treatment at the scene, and fortunately, his wounds are not life-threatening.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said, “Shortly after 3:50 PM today (Thursday), officers were alerted to a vehicle of interest in the Leam Lane area of Gateshead. After stopping the car, the driver assaulted a male police officer with a bladed article, causing an injury to his arm. The driver fled the scene on foot but was swiftly arrested in the Rodsley Avenue area of Gateshead.”
Police continue to investigate the incident and have urged the public to avoid speculation, especially on social media. The area surrounding the petrol station remains under close scrutiny as enquiries proceed.
Local residents have praised Northumbria Police for their swift response, expressing relief that the situation was quickly controlled without posing further danger to the community.
Originally published by UKNIP.
