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Buddhist Monk Assaulted by Masked E‑Bike Riders in Hebburn Park

Police opening an inquiry highlights local concern about masked youths using e‑bikes to intimidate pedestrians.

Overview

  • Karucha Sripramote, known locally as Monk Kom, says he was harassed, punched and then kicked to the ground in Hebburn Riverside Park, sustaining minor injuries including a cut lip and damaged glasses.
  • The attack, which happened around 3.30pm on Tuesday, involved a balaclava‑clad youth on an electric bike and at least one companion who joined the assault.
  • Northumbria Police have launched an investigation into the reported incident but the articles do not record any arrests or charges so far.
  • Mr Sripramote has posted a public update saying he has almost fully healed and has received wide community support, including messages and flowers delivered to his meditation centre.
  • The victim and local reports say similar groups of masked youths riding e‑bikes frequently intimidate pedestrians in the area, a pattern that raises different investigative and legal issues because the suspects are said to be aged about 12–15.