Warning to those who carry knives after police say Metro station attack in South Shields could have ended in murder probe

Paul Luke stabbed a man in the back in broad daylight near Tyne Dock Metro Station following a short altercation.

Now the 26-year-old, of Whitehall Street in South Shields, is staring his six-year jail term following the attack.

Leaving his victim in pain after narrowly missing his kidney, Luke attempted to cover his tracks by discarding his coat into nearby overgrowth, but it was soon spotted.

He denied wounding with intent and having an offensive weapon but found guilty of both following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

In the wake of his sentencing, police have warned of the consequences of carrying a knife, with young people in the North East raising it as a concern.

It also follows on from the conviction of two Sunderland men responsible for the killing of Connor Brown, with his loved ones and police united in their message about the devastating consequences such weapons can have.

Detective Sergeant Andy Richardson, of Northumbria Police’s Southern CID, said: “This was a dangerous and cowardly crime that resulted in the victim suffering a two-inch stab wound to his lower back.

“This so easily could have resulted in a fatality and Luke could have been looking at a murder charge.

“It is totally unacceptable – under any circumstances – to carry a knife, and there can be no doubt that the streets of South Shields are a safer place with Luke behind bars.

“We know some high-profile cases of violent attacks involving knives across the UK have sparked an increased concern about the work police are doing to tackle the issue.

“Our area continues to experience low levels of knife crime compared to other big cities across the country and the figures reflect that – but this does not mean that we are in any way complacent.”

He added anyone who has information about those carrying a weapon to call police.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said the incident has had a “significant impact” on him.