Police appeal after woman is raped on rural Northumberland road

The victim, a woman in her 40s, was walking in Dalton village, just outside Dinnington, on Thursday, May 7, when she was approached by a man on a bicycle.

She has told officers he raped her before riding away. The incident was only recently reported to police and the exact time of the incident is unknown but it is believed to have taken place between 7.30pm and 9.40pm.

Detective Sergeant Amanda Harland, of Northumbria Police, said detectives were looking to trace a ‘key witness’ who was also cycling in the area around the time: “We are treating this incident very seriously and specialist officers are supporting the victim at this time.

“She had been walking from Ponteland to Stamfordham when she was attacked near Dalton village and we are trying to speak to anyone who may have seen her that evening,” she said.

“It is rural but we are confident a number of motorists or cyclists would have seen her walking in the area.

“In particular we want to speak to one cyclist who was travelling in the immediate area of Dalton shortly after the attack.

“Unfortunately we don’t have a description of this individual but we are confident this person will know who they are if they read this appeal.

“He was not involved, and is not believed to have any connection to the suspect, but could be a key witness.

“We would also urge anyone who may have dash cam footage from this area on the evening of May 7 to review their footage and share it with police.”

She urged the attacker to come forward: “We believe it is only a matter of time before we establish some of the key circumstances around this case,” she said.

“We are confident there will be individuals who can help us get to the bottom of what happened, no-one more than the cyclist who committed this offence.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 611 260620 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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