A man was forced to the ground and robbed of his watch in an early hours attack.

Officers have arrested and charged a man with robbery after the incident in Newcastle city centre.

Plain clothes officers were in the city as part of 'night time economy' patrols on Saturday, March 2, where two men were stopped after reports of suspicious activity for showing an interest in someone’s watch. Details for both men were noted by officers.

At around 4am the following morning a man reported that he was travelling home when he was approached by two men on Pilgrim Street, in Newcastle city centre.

The pair are alleged to have forced the man to the ground after taking his watch from his wrist before fleeing the area. 

After the victim reported the incident, officers enquired quickly and linked the two men they spoke to earlier about the alleged robbery.

Further enquiries found that the men were believed to be from the South Yorkshire area. After contacting neighbouring forces, officers travelled to the area, where they arrested a 28-year-old man.

The man was charged with robbery and appeared before magistrates in Newcastle on Monday, March 11. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before crown court next month. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the other suspect.

The Northern Echo: Officers have arrested and charged a man who has robbed a victim of his watch in Newcastle city

Inspector Karen Madge, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was excellent work from our officers, who while carrying out usual patrols as part of our engagement in the night time economy in Newcastle city centre, spotted individuals acting suspiciously and correctly took some details.

“Once we received a report of robbery in the early hours of the following morning, the team moved swiftly to identify the suspects, with one located in another area of the country.

“He has now been charged and put before court while we continue to search for another man.

“This type of criminality is not unique to the North East, and we are determined to apprehend those responsible for targeting victims in this way.”

Insp Madge added: “Our advice is to plan your route when you’re out and about and think about what you’re taking with you.

“Stick to busy, well-lit streets if you can do so and keep your mobile phone and other valuables hidden from sight and not hanging out of pockets. Be mindful of your surroundings when using your phone.

“Never hand over your electronic devices to strangers, even if you think it will just be for a moment or to allow the person asking to input some social media details.

“Please remember not to leave bags or wallets unattended in bars and pubs too.

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“I’d also ask that the public continue to work with us by reporting anything that is not quite right or doesn’t add up, so that we can add to our intelligence picture and take the appropriate action.

“And if you are threatened with violence, please do not risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t.

“Please be aware that if you are in need of assistance while out in Newcastle city centre, you can approach officers on duty or visit the Safe Haven van.

“We will continue to have plain clothes officers as well as a uniformed presence actively patrolling in the Night Time Economy. We are here for you if you need us.”

Northumbria Police have advised that anyone who sees something suspicious should approach an officer on duty or call 101 and in an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, to always call 999.