A POLICE woman was knocked unconscious while six other people were assaulted after officers were called to reports of two men kicking and punching people.

It happened in the Quayside area of Newcastle city centre at around 3.18am on Monday.

Two men allegedly punched and kicked people on the Castle Stairs before heading towards St Nicholas Street.

Officers attended and while making the arrests, two were assaulted and a police woman knocked unconscious.

She was treated in hospital for her injuries and was later released.

When the pair were in custody at Forth Banks Police station three detention officers and the custody nurse were also attacked.

Two men aged 25 and 36 years were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer in the execution of their duty and are detained in custody.

Police believe several people may have seen the incident, including four Asian men who came to the assistance of the officers.

Acting chief inspector Steve Wykes, of Northumbria Police said: “I’d like to thank the four men who came to our officer’s aid it was brave of them to do so, but they left before our officers could get their details.

“I’d ask them to come forward and speak to us so we can thank them for their actions. The offender’s behaviour is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated by Northumbria police.”