DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after three teenagers were threatened by a man with a knife.

The incident happened late on the afternoon of Thursday, April 1, near the Bowes disused rail track just off the Leam Lane estate, Gateshead.

It was reported that three young teenagers – two boys and one girl – were in the area when they were confronted by a man they did not know.

He had come out of an address nearby and allegedly threatened them with a bladed article.

The incident was not reported by the teenagers themselves but by a third party who was concerned by the man’s behaviour.

Northumbria Police has issued a public appeal to trace the teenagers to ensure they are safe and well.

Detective Sergeant Alan Gibbons, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have been carrying out a number of enquiries to establish exactly what has happened in this incident.

“It is very concerning to hear allegations that an adult male has threatened young teenagers with a bladed article and we need to speak to them.

“They are not in any trouble and our reason for wanting to speak to them is to simply to establish if this has taken place and ensure they are safe and well.

“We would ask the teenagers involved to contact us, or if anyone else has heard about this incident and can help police then please report it to us.”

Anyone with information, who knows the identity of the teenagers, or who witnessed the incident or heard any information, is asked to contact the force on 101 quoting log 71 05/04/21.

You can report information online at the Northumbria Police website, by calling 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 08700-555111.