Northumbria Police have launched an investigation after a woman was raped by a stranger on Newcastle's Town Moor. The incident occurred between 1.15pm and 2.15pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2025, when a woman in her 40s was attacked by a man unknown to her.
Details of the Incident
The victim and the suspect met shortly before the attack on a footbridge from Claremont Road in the Spital Tongues area. The suspect then assaulted her on the Town Moor before fleeing the scene towards Grandstand Road.
Police have released a description of the offender: a white man, aged mid-30s, approximately 5ft 8in tall, of muscular build with short dark hair with grey flecks. He was wearing black jogging pants and a white t-shirt and was riding a pedal bike.
Police Investigation and Appeal
The Force’s Safeguarding team immediately launched an investigation, and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers. Extensive enquiries, including a review of CCTV, are ongoing. Today (Saturday), officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.
Detective Inspector Amanda Dickinson of Northumbria Police said: "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."
She added: "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."
Community Reassurance
Police acknowledged the concern such incidents can cause in communities, noting that "offences of this nature are extremely rare in our area." They have increased patrols in the area and encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to an officer.
"We are committed to bringing offenders who do commit such offences to justice," DI Dickinson said.
Police are also keen to obtain any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time. Anyone with information can contact Northumbria Police via social media, live chat, or report forms on the Force website, or call 101 quoting reference number NP-20260623-0705.
