Community in shock after rape of teenage girl

A community has spoken of its shock after a 16 year old girl was raped by an attacker wearing a balaclava in Newcastle.

It happened on May 27 between 10.45pm and 11.05pm in Lemington. The teenager was walking alone along a waggonway by Tyne View in Dumpling Hall/Lemington.

She had been with friends earlier who had walked part of the way with her before leaving to go to their homes.

As she continued on alone along Hadrian Way to Sugley Wayshe was grabbed by a man wearing all black. He raped her and left, leaving her in an extremely distressed state. She then telephoned for assistance.

Since the attack specialist officers have been supporting the victim and her family and officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out extra reassurance patrols in the area where the attack happened.

A team of detectives from Central Rape Investigation Team are investigating the incident and are carrying out house to house enquiries and checking CCTV opportunities from all around the Lemington area to try and identify the attacker.

The offender is described as being taller than 5ft 4ins, of skinny build and was dressed all in black. He was wearing a black jumper, black tracksuit bottoms, black trainers and a balaclava.

Officers want to speak to anyone who was in the Lemington/Dumpling Hall area on Friday night and noticed anything unusual in the area of the attack, or anyone with information about the incident.

They should call 101 quoting reference number 1430 27/05/16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.