Police Appeal After 5-Year-Old Bitten by Dog on Metro Between Benton and Palmersville
Northumbria Police are appealing to the public for information following a distressing dog bite incident on board a Tyne and Wear Metro train on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
At approximately 12:05 PM, a five-year-old boy was bitten by a dog while travelling with his mother between Benton and Palmersville stations. The child suffered a puncture wound and bruising to his left arm and required hospital treatment.
Although discharged the same day, the incident has left the family shaken and raised public concerns about animal safety on public transport.
Police Release Image in Public Appeal
Northumbria Police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak with in connection with the incident. While the image is not high-resolution, officers are hopeful that someone may recognise him.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said:
“This was a distressing experience for a young child, and we are doing everything we can to identify the man involved. We’re urging anyone who was on that Metro train or who recognises the man to get in touch.”
How to Assist the Investigation
Anyone who may have seen the incident or recognises the individual in the images is asked to contact Northumbria Police via:
- Social Media DMs (Twitter/X or Facebook)
- Live Chat: Northumbria Police website
- Online Form: Submit a report
- Phone: Call 101, quoting crime reference 038016S/25
Metro Safety and Dog Control: A Wider Issue
While incidents like this are rare on the Tyne and Wear Metro, it has raised questions about animal control and public safety. Nexus, which operates the Metro system, maintains CCTV coverage and mobile patrols as part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety.
According to the RSPCA, over 1,700 dog attacks on humans were reported across the UK in 2023. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 mandates that owners must be in control of their pets at all times in public.
The Department for Transport encourages vigilance and cooperation to prevent such incidents, while Dogs Trust provides guidelines for responsible ownership, especially in shared spaces like public transport.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Coverage
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) reflect public concern. One user wrote:
“Awful that a child was bitten on the Metro. Hope police get answers and improve safety.”
The case is now part of Northumbria Police’s broader push for community engagement around transport safety and the prevention of dog attacks. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents also emphasises the need for child safety across all public domains.
Why It Matters
This incident is part of a wider discussion on child safety, dog ownership laws, and transport security in the North East. By working together, authorities and the public can help prevent future incidents and ensure that public transport remains a safe space for all.
