Two teenage boys were assaulted and squirted with an unknown liquid after they tried to stop a thief in Newcastle city centre.
At around 3.45pm on Thursday, a man walked into Michael Kors in Blackett Street and stole a handbag.
He then tried to get away on a bicycle when the two boys tried to stop him from leaving the scene.
Police say they were both assaulted and squirted with the liquid.
The thief then fled as police and the fire service raced to the scene to investigate.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Thankfully the boys were not injured and the liquid in question is not believed to be harmful.
"Officers have taken the boys home and enquiries are now ongoing to locate the thief."
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they had been called to the incident by the police.
The road was partially blocked during the incident but the emergency services left the scene before 6pm.
Northumbria Police has now appealed for witnesses or anyone who might know anything to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting log 686 02/01/20.
