Police in Wallsend are continuing to question a man arrested on suspicion of attempted rape following an attack on a woman near a Tyneside school. The suspect remains in custody today as officers carry out further enquiries.
Incident on St Peter's Road
Officers were called at around 8.45pm on Tuesday, October 27, after a woman was reportedly sexually assaulted by a stranger in the St Peter's Road area of Wallsend. The man, who was said to be holding a bottle, is reported to have threatened her before carrying out the attack and then fleeing the scene before police arrived.
The following day, a pathway next to Burnside College was cordoned off as forensics in white suits and specialist search teams scoured the area. A dog unit was also present, with uniformed officers standing guard.
Arrest and ongoing enquiries
At around 8pm on Wednesday, a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape. He remains in custody being quizzed by officers in connection with the investigation. The victim, a woman in her 30s, continues to be supported by specially-trained officers.
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."
He added: "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."
Community reassurance and appeal
Det Ch Insp Deavin acknowledged the concern the report has caused within the community, stating: "We're aware this report has caused great concern within the community – and as a force, our response has reflected this." He also confirmed there will be an increased police presence in some small areas of Wallsend for further enquiries.
He reminded the public that all victim-survivors of sexual offences have the right to anonymity and should not be identified, given the discussion around the incident on social media. He thanked anyone who got in touch following the initial appeal and said updates on the investigation will continue to be provided.
Anyone with information should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, use the live chat function on the Force's website, or call 101, quoting crime reference number 26000482347.
