The chilling verbal attack was yesterday been described as “horrendous” by community leaders.
The two girls, both aged under 18, were targeted as they left the Territorial Army centre in Gateshead.
Police believe they were threatened by two men in a car with what appeared to be Dutch number plates on Alexandra Road near the centre.
Officers have released CCTV images of two Asian or black men in a car who they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
The threats were said to include beheading.
It is understood the girls were not in uniform at the time but the incident has once again sparked debate about public visibility of those connected to the armed forces.
Northumberland and North East Fusilier Association chairman Major Chester Potts said: “It’s a sad state of affairs that people feel they can threaten innocent young people on the streets of Britain.”
The Army Reserve Centre on Alexandra Road, GatesheadThe Army Reserve Centre on Alexandra Road, Gateshead
Former RAF serviceman John Murray, 83, from North Tyneside, said the incident was “deplorable” and called for more support for forces personnel.
Babaji Davender Ghai, president of the Newcastle-based Anglo Asian Friendship Society, said: “There should be no place for this in society. They should be punished.
“We need to go into schools and educate our young people on integration because this sort of behaviour is happening far too often all over the world.”
Krishan Kant Attri, a Hindu chaplain to the armed forces, said the actions of the “mindless” few makes his “blood boil.” Mr Attri, of Chapel House in Newcastle, said: “It is a horrendous incident which is going to shock the whole community. I am sure it is only a handful of mindless people who are causing these things.
“People need to be aware of what is going on.”
He added: “These children are not interested in party politics, it must be terrifying for them.
“It makes my blood boil to think about what has happened.”
The Army Reserve Centre on Alexandra Road GatesheadThe Army Reserve Centre on Alexandra Road Gateshead
In 2013, Fusilier Lee Rigby was attacked and killed by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London.
The Chronicle understands that cadets at some centres are asked to cover their uniform while walking to and from the squadron, but the Ministry of Defence said there is no ban in place.
The parent of a 16-year-old air training corp cadet, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said: “It’s alarming if the threat of terrorism is touching the lives of teenagers in this way. It is a sad indictment of the times we live in.
“The cadet organisation is not a recruiting ground for the military.
“Some do choose to join up later, but cadets are not members of the armed forces.”
An Army spokesman said the safety of young people is paramount and added: “There remains no ban on wearing uniforms in public, for example, when travelling to and from cadet activities, but nobody should feel forced to do so.
“We are aware of an incident allegedly involving members of the ACF – this is a matter for the police and we cannot comment further. Any witnesses are urged to contact the police.”
Gateshead Territorial Army Centre in Alexandra Road
Northumbria Police said the men were in a silver Vauxhall Zafira when the incident happened at 9.15pm on Wednesday, January 21.
The threats are understood to have been “graphic and nasty” and included a comment about beheading, although the teenagers were unharmed.
Gateshead Supt Richie Jackson said it is believed to have been an isolated incident and added: “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.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact nature of what was said 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.”
The driver was described as black or Asian, in his 40s, of plump or muscular build, with a black bushy beard and dark clothes. His passenger was described as black or Asian, in his 30s, with short black hair and stubble.
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