Rape investigation launched in Darlington

Shortly after midnight last night police received calls from members of the public reporting a woman in a distressed state in St Augustine’s Way, Darlington.

When officers arrived they say it was clear she had been physically assaulted and dragged to the ground. The location of the attack was on the grassed embankment just off St Augustine's Way, which leads to the River Skerne running past the rear of Halford's.

Within 15 minutes of police arriving at the scene a man matching the description of the suspect was arrested a short distance from the scene.

A man, who is 21 and lives locally has been detained on suspicion of rape and is in custody at Darlington police station where he will be questioned later today. The area of the alleged attack has been preserved so that a crime scene investigation can be carried out.

The victim was punched to the face resulting in a bloody nose and has received medical treatment and is now recovering at home.

Det Sgt Sean Jackson said; “This was a very nasty physical and sexual assault which understandably has left the victim traumatised. I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of St Augustine’s Way around midnight on Tuesday and has information which could help our enquiries.”

Please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers - 0800 55511 - if you have any information.