Investigation launched into reported rape of woman in Leazes Park

Detectives are appealing to the public after reports that a woman was raped in Leazes Park last Friday.

The incident took place in the vicinity of the basketball/tennis courts near the Leazes Crescent entrance to the park on Friday, April 1, at about 6.30 pm.

An investigation was immediately launched by detectives from the Force’s Safeguarding Department and the victim offered support by specially-trained officers.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing, including a review of CCTV, to identify the person responsible and additional patrols have been carried out.

Today, on Friday, April 8 officers are asking for the public’s help and have issued a description of the offender provided by the victim.

He is described as being in his early 30s, about 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build, with curly mousey brown hair which was shaved at the sides and long on top, and he had a black beard.

He was well spoken with a local accent. He was wearing grey joggers and a grey leather jacket with a fur collar, over a dark blue Nike T-shirt with a large white tick. He was also carrying a large green rucksack with black stripes.

Leading the investigating, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Cairns, said: “This is an extremely difficult time for the victim, and I want to begin by praising her bravery in coming forward. We will continue to support her in any way we can.

“Our officers have been working tirelessly to identify the person responsible, carrying out a range of enquiries and we are now appealing for anyone who lives locally, uses the park frequently, or thinks they might have information to come forward.

“From the description provided by the victim, this may spark someone’s memory, or encourage a dog walker, passerby or someone who was in the nearby area to get in touch.

“We know incidents of this nature can cause concern in our communities and we will be continuing to carry out extra patrols to offer reassurance.

“We are committed to doing all we can to support the victim while bringing the person responsible to justice.”

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police via the Tell Us Something pages of the Northumbria Police website or contact 101 quoting reference NP-20220401-1038 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.