Rape investigation launched after report teenage girl was attacked in a wooded area near Sunderland
by Nicole Goodwin · ChronicleLiveA rape investigation has been launched by police following a report that a teenager was attacked in a wooded area.
Northumbria Police is investigating a report that a teenage girl was subjected to a number of offences, including rape, in Newbottle, near Sunderland, on Sunday, September 8, between 2.05pm and 3.40pm. It is understood that a man had been in contact with the girl on social media before meeting up with her, the force added.
It was reported that he went on to commit offences against her in the wooded area, near Russell Foster Football Centre, and then inside a car in the car park on Houghton Road.
An elderly man and women were believed to have been walking near the wooded area at the time. Following the incident in the car park, a member of the public came to the assistance of the victim and walked her home.
Since the incidents were reported to police, extensive enquiries have been ongoing. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape as part of the investigation. He is currently on police bail.
Now officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incidents and may have any information to come forward. They are especially interested to hear from the person who assisted the girl and the elderly couple.
Sergeant Lisa Holmes, of Northumbria Police's Safeguarding team, said: "The victim has obviously been left very shaken by what has happened and continues to be supported by a range of services.
"As soon as we were made aware of the report, we began an investigation and have been carrying out extensive enquiries. We are now appealing for the public's help – in particular anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious.
"If you do have any information – no matter how insignificant you think it may be – please do come forward as it really could assist with our enquiries."
If you have any information, you can get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, or visiting the live chat on the Force website. For those unable to contact the Force this way, call 101. Please quote reference number NP-109708T/24.
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