Search launched after woman in her twenties was ‘attacked and raped by stranger’

Police have launched a manhunt after a woman in her 20s was raped and assaulted by a stranger.

The victim says she was targeted by a man next to Redheugh Bridge in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear between 1.20am and 2.10am on Saturday.

The attack is said to have taken place between the bridge access point and the intersection with Askew Road.

The woman fled the area after the incident before contacting police when she found a safe place.

The alleged attacker has been described by police as a tall white man in his 20s, with blond hair and a local accent, and wearing a black puffer jacket at the time.

Police have now launched an appeal as part of their investigation and are keen to speak to anyone traveling in the area at the time who may have dashcam footage.

The woman was targeted by the man next to Redheugh Bridge (pictured) in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear between 1.20am and 2.10am on Saturday.

Chief Inspector Chris Deavin, from Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding team, said: ‘Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the courage of the victim and will continue to provide them with all the specialist support we can.

“As soon as we received the report, we started an investigation and conducted extensive investigations.

‘While incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our region, we recognize the concern they can cause.

“The safety of the public is our top priority and we are carrying out additional patrols in the area.

“Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.”