Teens charged over violent Hunter St robbery

Police allege the victim was threatened with a knife, punched to ground and had his head stomped on in the middle of Newcastle.

Four young teens - one as young as 13 - have been charged over a violent Hunter St robbery where a man was allegedly threatened with a knife before being punched to the ground and his head stomped on.

Police said the 23-year-old man was walking along Newcastle’s main road about 11.15pm on Tuesday when he was approached by a group of young males, three of whom were allegedly armed with knives.

An argument began before one of the teens allegedly punched the man.

The alleged robbery occurred near the Civic light rail station on Hunter St.

“The group chased the man, demanding his wallet and mobile phone before he was struck several times, causing him to fall to the ground where he was further assaulted, including being stomped on and kicked,’’ police said in a statement.

“The teens fled onto Hunter St and emergency services were notified.

“The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to facial injuries.’’

Newcastle detectives began investigating before police transport command officers spoke to four young teens about 7.30pm on Wednesday.

The four teens – aged 13, 14 and 15 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle police station, where they were charged with aggravated robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon.

One of the boys, aged 14, was also charged with a breach of bail offence.

They were refused bail to appear in court on Thursday.

Detectives are still searching for a fifth person allegedly involved in the incident.