Teenager stabbed in the street

A teenager was stabbed in the head, back and leg when he was attacked and robbed on Tyneside.

The incident happened at 1545 GMT on Tuesday as the 15-year-old walked home from school.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said the boy was approached by three youths in Gowland Avenue, Fenham, Newcastle, who asked him to hand over his money.

He ignored them and walked on and the three followed him and stabbed him in the head, back and leg and stole his mobile phone and portable CD player.

The injured teenager managed to run home and was taken to Newcastle General Hospital where he was treated for five puncture wounds.

'Unusual crime'

The three youths were all in their late teens. One had a distinctive gap in his teeth and was wearing a red jacket with yellow flashes on the chest and had blond highlighted hair.

The second was wearing a light-coloured hooded top and had a silver bike and the third was wearing a hooded top.

Detective Inspector Max Black said: "This is a very unusual crime and a very worrying incident to have occurred.

"We are anxious to speak to anyone who may be able to provide us with information. We are not linking this with any other crime."

Detectives are examining CCTV footage and are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them.