A Buddhist monk, Karucha Sripramote, was reportedly injured after being punched and kicked by two youths in Hebburn Riverside Park, South Tyneside, on Tuesday. Mr Sripramote, who was wearing his orange Buddhist outfit, said he suffered a cut to his mouth and damage to his glasses.
Mr Sripramote stated that he had been repeatedly harassed by masked children in the park, including one on an e-bike who allegedly spun its rear wheel to throw grass and dirt at him. He said he grabbed the rider's jacket to stop him approaching, but was then punched in the face before another youth kicked him to the ground.
Northumbria Police is investigating the latest attack. Mr Sripramote, who teaches at the Dhammakaya Meditation Centre, initially posted about the incident on social media before contacting police for advice.