Want the top news headlines sent to your inbox daily? Sign up to our FREE newsletter below Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Knife scanners are to be used in Newcastle city centre after an increase in stabbings.

Police will carry the airport-style ‘wands’ after several incidents involving blades in Newcastle, including a bloody broad daylight stab attack on a teenager.

Patrols will also be stepped-up around the as Northumbria Police attempts to return knife crime to its usual low levels.

The force’s city centre Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Adams said: “I’d like to make it clear that Newcastle city centre does not have an issue with knife crime and the number of incidents involving a knife are relatively low.

“However, I recognise there have been crimes in the city centre recently where a knife has been involved they have attracted attention and that this could cause members of the community to be concerned. The neighbourhood policing team is working diligently to take action to help prevent these types of incidents, officers are carrying out regular patrols in the city centre speaking with people and offering reassurance.

“There is no doubt the consequences of carrying a knife in a public place and using it to threaten, intimidate or harm someone can be serious and anyone found to be in possession of a knife will face police action.”

Recent knife attacks include the stabbing of a 19-year-old man last month.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Stunned shoppers watched as the victim fled through Eldon Square shopping centre after allegedly being knifed in Old Eldon Square, near Nando’s and Starbucks. Members of the public told the Chronicle how the bleeding teen stumbled down Nelson Street and Market Street, before collapsing on a bench outside Carluccio’s restaurant on Grey Street.

A 16-year-old youth from Gosforth has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent in connection with the incident, which happened at around 6pm on Saturday June 6.

Co-accused, Ryan Witherspoon, 23, of Fairhaven Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, has denied wounding with intent and threatening a person with a blade and will stand trial later this year.

While the victim has since been discharged from hospital.

Then on June 23 a man was stabbed in a broad daylight attack at Leazes Park.

The 21-year-old victim was approached by two men who asked to use his mobile phone before stabbing him. The victim suffered three minor ‘puncture wounds’.

Police will also be working with local youth organisations to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife, along with the potential penalties imposed if caught.

Insp Adams added: “We are working closely with youth organisations to raise awareness to young people of the dangers of carrying a knife and reminding them they could potentially find themselves jailed if they are caught in possession of one.

“Newcastle city centre is safe a place and we continue to work with our partner agencies to make sure it stays that way and that people feel they can come in to the city centre without any fear of being a victim of crime.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “This is typical good policing by Northumbria Police, working to keep knives off our streets and out of the hands of criminals. Although recently there have been several knife-carrying incidents, we are fortunate that here in Northumbria we don’t have the same knife culture problem as in some other areas of the country.

“Officers are proactively working hard to reassure the public and ensure that we are educating and rehabilitating those caught up in knife-crime. The message is strong and clear ‘Don’t carry a knife. It is dangerous and you will be arrested if you are caught’.”