A 22-year-old woman was raped in Heaton Park

A 22-year-old woman was raped on Sunday night in Heaton Park. 

She was walking alone when she was attacked between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on Sunday night.

Police officers believe the attack happened in woodland between Sambuca restaurant and the Bowling green area.

Inquiries are ongoing into the incident and officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

The initial description of the suspect is that he is white, around 6ft tall and of stocky build. He was wearing dark jeans, a dark hooded top and had short dark hair.

Newcastle Superintendent David Felton said: “We are doing everything we can to identify and arrest the man responsible for this and we need anyone who might have any information that could help us to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.

“Anyone who was walking, running or just in the area of Heaton Park or the surrounding areas last night, and who saw anyone or anything suspicious, please get in touch with police and help us find this man.”

Students’ Union Welfare and Equality officer Luke Allison told The Tab: “The most effective way of preventing these horrendous events from reoccurring is catching the perpetrators. Please listen to information the police put out about safety at night and try to avoid walking alone.

“I’d like to add that there is no situation where walking alone makes these incidences the victim’s fault. We should be all be able to walk comfortably around our city at night without fear for safety.”

If you have any information contact the Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference number 1129 21/02/16.