A man was hit in the chest with a crowbar and subsequently suffered bruising and swelling following a robbery in South Shields.

Police have released an image of a man they would like to trace in connection to the incident last night (Monday, March 27).

At roughly 3:50pm on Thursday, February 2, it was reported that a young man was riding a motorbike on Seafield Terrace when he was chased by three unknown males riding two motorcycles.

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A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Police investigating a report of robbery in South Shields have issued an image of a man they would like to trace.

“At around 3.50pm on Thursday, February 2, it was reported that an 18-year-old man had been riding on a motorcycle on Seafield Terrace when, for reasons to be established, he has been chased by three unknown males riding on two motorcycles.

“One of the suspects has then proceeded to ram the victim’s bike, causing him to fall to the ground in the middle of the road.

“He has then hit the victim in the chest with a crowbar before taking his helmet and motorcycle and driving away from the scene.

“The victim suffered bruising and swelling to his chest as a result, and the incident was later reported to police.

“An investigation was immediately launched, and a number of enquiries have been ongoing since the report was made.

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“As part of their enquiries, police have today (Monday) issued image of a man they would like to speak to.

“It is believed that he was in the area at the time of the incident and could have information which assists the investigation.

“The man, or anyone who knows him, is asked to contact police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website, quoting crime reference number 013613Q/23.”