Police have released CCTV images of three people they would like to trace following an alleged racially-aggravated assault in the centre of Newcastle.

At around 5pm on Thursday, January 4, police received a report of a man being approached by three people – two males and a female – on Blackett Street, under the sheltered area by the bus stops.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "One of the males was understood to have bumped into the man and became aggressive, before spitting in his face and walking away. The other male then directed a racially abusive comment towards the victim.

"The victim entered Eldon Square via the side entrance and alerted centre security, while the offenders made off on foot down Blackett Street, towards The Gate."

Enquiries are ongoing, and police have today (Wednesday) released images of three people they would like to speak to in connection with the report.

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The spokesperson added: "They were in the area at the time of the incident is reported to have taken place and officers believe they could have valuable information that may assist the ongoing investigation.

"The group, or anyone who recognises them, is asked to contact police via the 'Report' tool on the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101, quoting crime number 001529U/24."