Police hunt for trio after late-night rape in Newcastle

Jun 15 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A MANHUNT was launched last night after a woman was raped in a late-night city centre attack. The 30-year-old woman was walking home between just after midnight and 1.30am on Sunday in the Neville Street area of Newcastle when she was approached by three men.

She agreed to have a drink with them and walked away with them before she was raped.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place just yards from where clubbers and drinkers were enjoying a night out.

Last night Det Sgt Lisa Hogan, of Newcastle CID, moved to quell public fears and said the police were doing everything in their powers to track down the woman’s attackers.

She said: “People can be reassured that we are doing everything we can to trace those responsible for this incident.

“It happened when many people would have been making their way home following a night out. We would therefore appeal for the public’s help and urge anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the three men with this woman or anyone with any information to contact us.

“Anyone who may recognise the men from our descriptions is also asked to come forward.”

The first man is described as being white, around 6ft tall, with short brown hair and of medium build. He was wearing jeans, a long-sleeved shirt with black shoes and spoke with a local accent.

Another attacker is described as being white, 5ft 7ins tall, with short black cropped hair, wearing blue jeans, blue shoes, a white shirt and was aged between 18 and 25. The third man was white with a skinhead, around 5ft 5ins tall, with a large build. He was wearing blue jeans, black shoes, a blue shirt and is believed to be aged between 18 and 25. He spoke with a Scottish accent.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers are following several lines of enquiry but are appealing for anyone who may have information to come forward.” Anyone with information should contact Newcastle CID on 03456 043043.