Police Hunt Pair Over Cadet Beheading Threat

Police are searching for two men after female army cadets reported they were threatened with beheading outside an Army Reserve centre.

Officers have released a photograph of the men in a silver Opel Zafira outside the centre in Gateshead.

The occupants of the car are thought to have asked the two teenagers "Are you in the Army?", before shouting threats as they drove past in Alexandra Road.

The alleged reference to beheading has chilling echoes of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby who was attacked in Woolwich, London, in May 2013.

Northumbria Police have stepped up patrols in the area, following the threats at 9.15pm on Wednesday, 21 January.

They have also warned other Army Reserve centres - formerly the Territorial Army - to be on their guard.

Police have traced the car, which is left-hand drive and appears to have foreign plates.

The driver is described as black or Asian, in his 40s, and of plump or muscular build with a black bushy beard and wearing dark clothes.

The passenger is also said to be black or Asian, in his 30s, and had short black hair and stubble.

Gateshead Superintendent Richie Jackson said: "The men made no attempt to make any physical contact with the girls or get out of the car, and shouted the comments while driving away from the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact nature of what was said during the incident and we have spoken to the two teenage girls, viewed CCTV footage from the area and have identified the vehicle and inquiries are ongoing to trace the driver.

"As a precaution we have notified staff at other Army Reserve centres in the area and have had extra officers on patrol in Alexandra Road to reassure residents.

"Although this is concerning, it is an isolated incident and if anyone has any information that could help us with the investigation I'd ask that they contact us on 101."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident allegedly involving members of the Army Cadet Force - this is a matter for the police and we cannot comment further.

"Any witnesses are urged to contact the police.

"We understand the girls were not in uniform at the time of the incident."

Fusilier Rigby was killed near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, while off duty.

Killers Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale set about him with knives and a cleaver, hacking him to death.

The pair were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in jail.