Northumbria Police have increased patrols on Newcastle's Town Moor following a report that a woman was raped. On Tuesday, June 23, police received a report that a woman in her 40s had been raped by a man unknown to her on the Town Moor between 1.15pm and 2.15pm.
Police presence stepped up
Detective Inspector Amanda Dickinson, who is leading the investigation, said that while offences of this nature are "extremely rare" in the Northumbria Police area, the force recognises that they can cause concern and has stepped up police presence in the area following the report. "Since the report we have had an increased presence in the area and would ask anyone who does have any concerns to speak to an officer," she said. "We are committed to bringing offenders who do commit such offences to justice."
Investigation launched
An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police's Safeguarding team, and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers. Extensive enquiries have been ongoing, including a review of CCTV, to identify the person responsible. Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have any information to come forward.
Suspect description
The man and woman met a short time earlier on a footbridge from Claremont Road in the Spital Tongues area. He then left the scene and headed towards Grandstand Road. Officers have released a description of the offender. He is described as a white man, aged mid-30s, approximately 5ft 8in tall, of muscular build with short dark hair with grey flecks. He is believed to be wearing black jogging pants and a white t-shirt and had been riding a pedal bike. Police are also keen for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time to get in touch.
Appeal for information
Det Insp. Dickinson added: "I want to recognise the bravery of the victim in coming forward and we are committed to supporting them in any way we can. Extensive enquiries have been ongoing and we are now appealing to the public for assistance and asking anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious to come forward. If you do have any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – please get in touch, as it could prove vital to our investigation." Anyone with information can contact Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, or by using the live chat or report forms on the Force website. For those unable to make contact in these ways, please call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20260623-0705.
