Police have arrested a man in his 50s after one of their officers was allegedly assaulted with a “bladed article” during a traffic stop in Gateshead. The man was initially stopped after police received a tip-off about a “vehicle of interest” spotted in the Leam Lane area on Thursday afternoon.

The suspicious vehicle was pulled over at around 3.50pm on Thursday, when the driver allegedly assaulted the police officer with a bladed article. The assault resulted in an injury to the officer’s arm, after which the assailant fled on foot but was later apprehended in the Rodsley Avenue area of Gateshead.

Northumbria Police have reassured the public that this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community. They have also urged people to refrain from speculation, particularly online.

Officers have said the alleged assailant remains in custody while they investigate the incident.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police stated: “Shortly after 3.50pm today (Thursday), officers were alerted to a vehicle of interest in the in the Leam Lane area of Gateshead.

“After stopping the car, the driver assaulted a male police officer with a bladed article causing an injury to his arm. The driver fled the scene on foot but was swiftly arrested in the Rodsley Avenue area of Gateshead.”

“A man in his 50s has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody at this time. Whilst enquiries are at an early stage, officers are treating this as an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public.”, reports Chronicle Live.