Man reports alleged antisemitic and homophobic attack at Monument Metro Station in Newcastle

A man has described on social media an alleged antisemitic and homophobic attack at Monument Metro Station in Newcastle city centre, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns about rising hate crime across the UK.

The incident is said to have taken place at around 2:35pm on Saturday, May 2, as the man got off a Metro train at Monument Metro Station. He stated that he was wearing a Kippah and a Star of David necklace when he was approached by a group of four young men on a busy platform during a match day.

According to his account, the group began making comments referencing Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before escalating the situation. He said his hat and Kippah were forcibly removed from his head at Monument Metro Station, at which point he believed he was being targeted because of his Jewish identity.

He reported that when he attempted to retrieve his belongings and challenged the behaviour, he was physically assaulted at Monument Metro Station. He described being punched, knocked to the ground, and subjected to a sustained attack in which he was kicked and stamped on.

During the assault at Monument Metro Station, he said he was also subjected to homophobic abuse.

The incident allegedly unfolded at one of the busiest transport interchanges in Newcastle, with large numbers of passengers and staff present at Monument Metro Station at the time.

The man stated that several members of the public intervened to stop the attack, with three individuals helping to pull the attackers away and remaining with him while emergency services were contacted.

He reported sustaining multiple injuries, including bruising, swelling, cuts and ongoing pain affecting his face, head, chest, ribs, back, arms, hips and ankles. He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) for treatment.

The incident at Monument Metro Station was reported to Northumbria Police. However, he described a delay in officers attending, stating that he waited over an hour at the scene before being transported to hospital, with police arriving later.

He further described the police response as lacking urgency and empathy, stating that no statement was taken at the time and that he felt the situation was not treated with the seriousness he expected.

Northumbria Police have been approached for comment regarding the alleged attack at Monument Metro Station.

The reported attack at Monument Metro Station comes amid growing national concern over antisemitism and hate crime. In recent months, London and other major cities have seen a rise in antisemitic incidents, alongside increasing reports of abuse and violence targeting individuals because of their religion, sexual orientation or identity.

The man said the incident had left him feeling unsafe in public spaces, particularly as an openly Jewish, disabled and gay individual. He expressed concern that such attacks are becoming more frequent and that victims do not always feel adequately protected.

Under UK law, a hate crime is defined as any criminal offence perceived by the victim or others to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. This can include physical violence, verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation.

Where a hate element is established, courts can impose enhanced sentences. Serious assaults of this nature can carry significant custodial penalties, particularly where multiple offenders are involved or the attack is sustained and targeted.

The incident has prompted renewed discussion about safety in Newcastle city centre and the need for visible policing in high-footfall areas such as Monument Metro Station.

A local independent councillor candidate for the Monument ward, Craig Cottrell, condemned the alleged attack and called for stronger leadership and action.

“Hate has no place in Newcastle,” he said. “Our city should be one of ‘us’ - people from all backgrounds working together to create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works and visits here. We need greater police visibility in our city centre, alongside clear leadership and real accountability when incidents like this happen.”

The man has called for the incident to be investigated thoroughly and for those responsible to be held accountable.