Appeal after rape allegation in Northumberland

Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident that took place at 6pm on Monday in the back lane of an address in Meldon Terrace, Newbiggin.

A 14-year-old girl was walking in the lane when she was approached from behind by an unknown man who is said to have raped her and then made off.

The teenager then managed to make her way to safety.

Inquiries are on-going into the incident and specialist officers are speaking with the girl to establish the full details of what took place.

The initial description of the offender is that he is approximately between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build and wearing a dark coloured long-sleeved top.

Detective Sergeant Allen Hull said: “The victim is extremely distressed by what has happened and we are working with her and her family to offer them all the support they need.

“We have specially trained officers supporting the victim and her family and we have a policing presence in the area to reassure local residents.

“If anyone has any information they think may be useful to our investigation, then I would ask them to get in contact with us.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Harris added: “This is obviously a very serious incident and we know the local community will be concerned about it.

“We will have officers on patrol to offer reassurance to anyone who may be concerned and answer any queries they may have.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident should call Northumbria Police on 101 – quoting reference 776 17/11/16 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.