Northumbria Police is appealing for witnesses after a car appeared to be used as a weapon against pedestrians in Newcastle city centre.
The incident, shown in the footage above, took place in the city's Bigg Market at around 9 pm last night (Saturday, 27th July 2019). The spot is popular with revellers, containing several bars and clubs.
Footage shows an irate female repeatedly banging on the windscreen of a black Ford Focus with the heel of her shoe. The driver's side door of the Focus appeared to have been bent back on its hinges.
Two males got into the Focus, which then sped a short distance causing the female to fall onto the road and hitting a male standing on the pavement. The male got to his feet and approached the Focus to remonstrates with the occupants.
The Focus drove a short distance down the Bigg Market towards the Mosley Street junction before reversing, swerving onto the pavement and running up against the male. The male was knocked flying when the front of the Focus made contact with him. The occupants of the Focus then drove away from the scene.
It should be stressed that the full circumstances surrounding the incident (e.g. what happened before the camera started rolling) are unknown, but the footage is pretty damning.
The police are understandably taking a very keen interest in the incident.
Acting Inspector Michelle Jahangiri, of Northumbria Police, has now warned that such behaviour will not be tolerated in Newcastle.
She said: "This is a very serious incident that happened in a very busy street in Newcastle city centre.
"This could have resulted in a very serious injury, and I would like to reiterate that this type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"We are aware of footage circulating on social media regarding the incident, and would ask members of the public to respect the ongoing investigation."
"Officers are the process of identifying the victims and offenders involved, and will take robust action against anybody found to be involved."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Northumbria Police 101 quoting reference 1160 270719 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
It should not take the police too long to track down the driver, so stay tuned for updates on this one.
Update (29/7/19): Northumbria Police has just issued an update on this incident. They have spoken to the victims and have identified the driver of the Focus, but he has not yet been traced or arrested.
Update (30/7/19): Northumbria Police has just issued an update on this incident. A 28-year-old male was arrested in the Durham area last night and is currently in police custody.
Update (31/7/19): Daniel Walmsley, 28, of Whiteoaks, Leam Lane, Gateshead appeared at Bedlington Magistrates' Court this morning charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, assault, driving whilst disqualified, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. The first offence is indictable only, so Walmsley was remanded to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, 29th August 2019.
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