A MAN was hospitalised when he was attacked by a group of strangers on Newcastle’s Quayside.

Just after midnight on Monday, a 22-year-old man was walking with three friends along the north side of the Quayside near to the Swing Bridge.

Three teenage males, who were unknown to the group of friends, made comments to a female member of the group and an altercation took place. The 22-year-old man was assaulted, suffering injuries consistent with a pointed article.

The group returned home at which point the victim has reported the assault to police. He also attended hospital for treatment to a number of injuries but none are believed to be life-threatening.

Detectives are carrying out enquiries to identify the three suspects responsible for the assault and are now appealing for help from the public.

Detective Sergeant David Lever, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a serious assault and the suspected use of a weapon is what really concerns us.

“The suspects have made comments to a female associate of the victim and when he has attempted to defend her he has been assaulted.

“There is absolutely no place for this level of violence in our community and we are just glad nobody has been more seriously injured.

“We are carrying out CCTV enquires and exploring forensic opportunities but we need help from the public.

“Anyone who witnessed what happened, or may have seen three males leaving the area in the direction of the Copthorne Hotel, are asked to get in touch.

“Any information, no matter how small, could be what helps us to identify those responsible and question them about this attack.”

Those responsible are all described as white and aged in their mid teens.

Anyone with information is asked to report it online at the Northumbria Police website, or by calling 101, and quoting log 32 20/04/21.