Police appeal for witnesses after reports of rape in Sunderland
A woman contacted police to report she had been sexually assaulted in the early hours of Sunday morning
Last updated 13th Feb 2023
Police investigating a report of a rape in Sunderland have released images of potential witnesses who may be able to help with their enquiries.
Yesterday, a woman contacted police and reported she had been raped by a man who picked her up at around 3.52am following a night out at 7Even nightclub.
It was reported that the driver picked her up on Derwent Street before driving to the Hendon Beach area and raping her.
She was later dropped off outside her home address in a disorientated condition and police were later contacted.
An investigation was immediately launched by detectives from Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department and the victim is currently being support by specially-trained officers.
Extensive enquiries have been ongoing, including a review of CCTV and a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody.
Enquiries are on-going and today, (Monday) officers are asking for the public’s help and have issued CCTV images of witnesses they would like to trace.
Leading the investigating, Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department 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 witnesses to come forward.
"A number of bystanders were captured on CCTV in the area of the taxi pick up and we are urging them to come forward and share any information they may have.#
“We know the photo quality is very poor but believe if you were in the area at this time, you will be able to identify yourself.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant you fear it might be, could prove crucial in this case.”
DCI Hudson added: “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-20230212-0554 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.