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

A detective has said a Metro station stabbing could have ended in murder as he warned of the dangers of carrying knives.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

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

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Paul Luke was sentenced to six years in jail.Paul Luke was sentenced to six years in jail.
Paul Luke was sentenced to six years in jail.

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

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

The attack happened close to Tyne Dock Metro Station.The attack happened close to Tyne Dock Metro Station.
The attack happened close to Tyne Dock Metro Station.

“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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.