An image has been released of a man suspected to have been involved in three knife-related crimes within two hours, in the early hours of Friday (August 25).
Police hope to trace the man as part of their investigations following reports that a woman was threatened with a knife and two taxi drivers were victims of attempted knife robberies, in North Tyneside.
Information was received that a man had approached a woman on a platform at Whitley Bay Metro Station, shortly after midnight, on Friday morning.
The offender then drew a knife and threatened the woman before leaving the scene.
Read more: Chester-le-Street teen admits making knife threats to two other women
Less than 20 minutes later it was reported that a man approached a taxi driver who was in his vehicle outside Dixy Chicken, on Whitley Road.
The suspect is then reported to have drawn a knife and demanded the driver to give him all of his money.
Police said the driver managed to get away from the offender without parting company with his takings.
In the third reported incident, another taxi driver reported that a man entered his vehicle, outside the Fire Station pub, also on Whitley Road, and pulled out a knife before demanding money, at about 1.50am.
The driver in that case refused to comply with the request and the offender fled the scene.
Officers are looking into all three reports, which they believe to be linked.
Read next:
Police seized £14,000 from West Cornforth cocaine dealer
Wanted Consett drug kingpin Darren Towler arrested in Europe
Crook offender supplied false number plates for stolen Land Rover
Get the latest news, sport and entertainment delivered stright to your device for just £3 for three month. Click here.
As part of their investigation, police have released an image of a man they would like to trace.
He was in the area at the time the offences were reported to have taken place and investigating officers believe he may be able to assist them with their inquiries.
Anyone who knows who the man is asked to use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force website, or call 101, quoting crime reference numbers 106395F/23, 106396D/23 or 106372T/23.