Appeal after man with saw tried to rob children

Two children were "left shaken" after a man with a saw attempted to rob them, police said.

The victims, a 12-year-old girl and her 14-year-old brother, were walking through Heaton in Newcastle when they said they were approached by the suspect on Tuesday morning.

The man demanded the girl hand over money and when the children tried to run off he grabbed hold of her, officers said.

Northumbria Police said the youngsters managed to get away. An investigation has begun.

The attempted robbery took place shortly before 11:00 BST in City Stadium, off Warwick Street.

The man, who was carrying a red-handled saw at the time, has been described as about 5ft 11in (180cm) tall.

He ran off towards Warwick Street, police added.

Det Con Simon King described what happened as "distressing" for the two victims and an investigation had begun.

"We understand people will be anxious about what has happened and we have had an increased presence in the area with officers conducting enquiries," he said.

"We ask those with information – no matter how small or insignificant they feel it may be – to get in touch with us so that we can take the appropriate action."

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