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<\/p>\nPolice are investigating after a woman reported she was raped by a man unknown to her in the area of the bridge linking Newcastle and Gateshead<\/p>\n
The Redheugh Bridge between Newcastle and Gateshead (Image: Craig Connor\/ChronicleLive)<\/p>\n
Police are investigating after a woman was raped by a stranger in the early hours of the morning near the Redheugh Bridge. Police received a report that between 1.20-2.10am on Saturday (May 2), a woman had been assaulted and raped by a man unknown to her in the area of the bridge linking Gateshead and Newcastle.<\/p>\n
It is reported to have taken place in an area between the Gateshead entry\/exit point to the bridge and the junction with Askew Road. The victim \u2013 who is aged in her 20s \u2013 then went to a safe place, where police were contacted. Northumbria Police<\/a> continues to offer them specialist support.<\/p>\n Northumbria Police\u2019s Safeguarding team immediately launched an investigation and extensive enquiries are ongoing \u2013 including a review of CCTV \u2013 to identify the person responsible.<\/p>\n Today (Tuesday), officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information that could assist enquiries to come forward. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage.<\/p>\n Officers have also released a description of the offender, who is described as a tall, white man with blonde hair and a local accent. He is believed to be in his 20s. He was also wearing a black puffer jacket.<\/p>\n Detective Chief Inspector Chris Deavin, of Northumbria Police\u2019s Safeguarding team, said: “Firstly, I want to recognise the bravery of the victim and we will continue to offer them any specialist support we can. As soon as we received the report, we began an investigation and have been carrying out extensive enquiries.<\/p>\n “We are now appealing to the public for help and asking anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to come forward. If you do have any information \u2013 no matter how insignificant you think it may be \u2013 please do contact us, as it could assist with our enquiries.<\/p>\n “We are committed to bringing perpetrators of these types of crimes to justice.” He added: “While incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our area, we recognise the concern they can cause.<\/p>\n “The safety of the public is our utmost priority and we have been carrying out extra patrols in the area. Anyone who has any concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.”<\/p>\n Police are also reminding people that all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity and should not be identified.<\/p>\n Anyone with information can get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, or by using the live chat or report forms functions on the Force website. For those unable to contact the Force this way, call 101. Please quote the reference number: NP-20260502-0107.<\/p>\n Did you know you can make ChronicleLive a preferred source of North East news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information<\/a> about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n