Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a brutal assault in Wallsend thanks to an eagle-eyed officer who recognised them from CCTV footage.
PSCO Stu Payne had been investigating an unprovoked attack at Wallsend Metro Station which left a man injured.
CCTV footage of the incident showed a man and a woman assaulting the victim before pinning him to the ground and stealing cash, medication and mobile phone.
Police launched an investigation and it was while PCSO Payne was patrolling the following day when he recognised the pair entering a property in Wallsend.
He quickly identified them as the suspects from the footage and arrested them. They have since been released while the investigation continues.
PCSO Payne’s Chief Inspector Ron Charlton presented him with a prestigious commander’s compliment signed by Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton, on behalf of the force in recognition of his efforts.
Ch Insp Charlton said: "This is a classic example of good old-fashioned police work and I’d like to thank PCSO Payne for his hard work and dedication to the job.
"His vigilance helped to detain two suspects who were caught on camera carrying out an unprovoked attack.
"This is just the latest in a long line of great police work. PCSO Payne really has amazing local knowledge and knows his beat like the back of his hand.
"Not only that, but he displays great engagement skills when working with the local youths and he’s always striving for the best – what an absolute asset to the force."
