A manhunt is today on for the beach attacker who left three teens injured by throwing an unknown substance in their faces.
The victims, aged 16, 17 and 18, were taken to hospital following the incident, which happened on Tynemouth Longsands on Friday night.
The beach was packed with young people enjoying the hot weather when disorder broke out among a number of youths, at around 9.30pm.
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Police say the three lads had an "unknown substance" thrown in their face. The 18-year-old also suffered an eye injury when he was kicked in the face.
Now Northumbria Police says "dedicated resources" have been deployed to trace the attacker. And officers have appealed for witnesses.
A spokesman for the force said: "We are continuing investigations into disorder involving a number of youths which broke out on Longsands Beach in Tynemouth on Friday evening.
“The beach was very busy with young people, with the vast majority well-behaved and respectful of others.
“At 9.30pm, three males, aged 18, 17 and 16, were left injured when an unknown substance was thrown into their faces.
“The 18-year-old suffered an injury to his eye after being kicked in the head during the incident.
“All three males were taken to hospital with minor injuries and have since been discharged. All of those involved are believed to be known to each other.
“Enquiries are ongoing with dedicated resources allocated to locate the person responsible. We are grateful to all who have assisted us with our investigation so far and anyone with information should contact police."
This summer Northumbria Police has once again teamed-up with North Tyneside Council and Nexus to run Operation Coastwatch, which aims to crackdown on anti-social behaviour at the coast.
And the force has warned that anyone causing bother will be forced to leave the area.
The spokesman added: “The multi-agency Operation Coastwatch will continue to run throughout the summer, with dedicated resources available to deter and address disorder of any kind.
“Dispersal notices will be in place and anyone found to be engaging in disorder will be required to leave the area."
Anyone with information about Friday's incident should call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log number NP-20230616-1463.
