Elaine Rennie, a singer known for her 1990s portrayal of Belinda Carlisle on the television show *Stars in Their Eyes*, was assaulted during a late-night busking session in Sunderland following England’s World Cup quarter-final victory. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near Vine Place, as crowds emerged from local pubs celebrating the win.

According to Rennie, who was performing and broadcasting live on social media at the time, an individual who appeared intoxicated attempted to seize her guitar. When she resisted, the man struck her twice with the instrument, targeting her head and face before fleeing the scene. Rennie reported significant injuries including a broken nose requiring medical intervention, a substantial bruise around her eye, and a cut on the bridge of her nose. She described the attack as “pretty bad,” noting her nose bled heavily following the assault.

This episode marks at least the fourth or fifth time Rennie has experienced violence while busking. She recounted previous incidents, including one where she suffered broken ribs after an attack near the Swing Bridge in Newcastle. Rennie expressed that, while most people respond positively to her performances, encounters with intoxicated individuals sometimes lead to unpredictable and violent behavior. “I was shocked and traumatised at the time,” she said.

Northumbria Police confirmed they are aware of the reported assault and that investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been announced at this stage.