Police issue appeal for information after a report of attempted rape in North Tyneside

At about 8.45pm on Tuesday night, police received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted by a man 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 in the direction of Burn Bridge.

Officers were on scene within minutes and an investigation was immediately launched.

A woman in her 30s is being supported by specially-trained officers.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information, or anyone matching the description below, to get in touch.

Enquiries are at an early stage, and the initial description of the man is: medium build, approximately 5ft 5inches tall, wearing a black hat, black pants, black gloves and a black top.

He is described as being in his 30s and is also reported to have been holding a glass bottle.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Deavin, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the victim-survivor who we will continue to offer all the specialist we can during this time.

“We are also aware of some social media coverage regarding this incident, and we would like to take this opportunity to remind people that all victim-survivors of sexual offences have the right to anonymity and should not be identified.

“We were on scene in minutes of the report being received, and we have been conducting extensive enquiries to identify a suspect – but we’re now asking for the public’s help with that.”

Det Ch Insp Deavin added: “As part of our investigation, officers will remain in the area today conducting door-to-door and further enquiries.

“We will also be conducting extra patrols in the area as the safety of the public is our utmost priority. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer on duty.

“While incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our area, we recognise the concern they may cause in our communities.

“We are committed to bringing perpetrators of these types of crimes to justice.”

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.