Woman raped in late night Gateshead attack

A young woman has been raped in Gateshead after being attacked inthe early hours of Friday, 12 May.

Police were called to Newbolt Court, just off Sunderland Road in the Felling area at 1.09am following reports of the attack on the 24-year-old.

Officers have arrested a man, also 24, on suspicion of rape and he remainsin custody.

Police are in the area carrying out house to house enquiries.

Acting Detective Inspector Keith Jewitt said: "The victim is extremelydistressed by what has happened and we are working with her to offer herall the support she needs

"We have specially trained officers supporting the victim and we have apolicing presence in the area to reassure local residents.

"If anyone has any information they think may be useful to ourinvestigation then I would ask them to get in contact with us."

Officers are especially keen to speak to anyone who was in the area lastnight at the relevant time and noticed anything unusual.

It is believed that a number of people in the nearby flats may have heardor seen the incident taking place in the street below and officers want tohear from anyone who may have witnessed it.