Man arrested in connection with report of attempted rape in North Tyneside

At about 8.45pm on Tuesday (October 27), police received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted by a male in the St. Peter’s Road area of Wallsend.

The man – who she did not know – is reported to have threatened her before sexually assaulting her.

He has then fled the scene prior to police arrival.

At about 8pm yesterday (Wednesday), following proactive patrols in the area, a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape. He is currently in police custody.

There is a police presence in the area today (Thursday) as officers carry out further enquiries.

A woman in her 30s continues to be supported by specially-trained officers and has been updated of this development.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Deavin, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, said: “Since we first received this report on Tuesday evening, we’ve been working at speed to conduct enquiries so we could bring someone into custody.

“Last night, officers tasked to conduct proactive patrols in response to this incident spotted a suspect and, as a result, he is currently in our cells and we’re working to verify his age at this time.

“We’re aware this report has caused great concern within the community – and as a Force, our response has reflected this.”

Det Ch Insp Deavin added: “There will be an increased police presence in some small areas of Wallsend today for further enquiries to be carried out.

“A further reminder that that all victim-survivors of sexual offences have the right to anonymity and should not be identified as we know how much discussion there has been around this incident on social media.

“We will continue to provide updates on this investigation, and we’d like to thank anyone who got in touch with us yesterday following our initial appeal.”

Anyone with information should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, use the live chat function on the Force’s website.

For those unable to contact the Force via those ways, call 101.

Please quote crime reference number 26000482347.