Police are appealing for information after a report that a 15-year-old girl was raped in Sunderland.
The incident happened at around 10pm on Saturday, February 27, on a grassed area in St Mary’s Way, near to the car park.
The offender is described as a white male in his 30s, thin build, around 5ft 8 inches tall and spoke with a local accent.
Officers are carrying out enquiries into the incident and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Police are also keen for a key witnesses who may have spoken to a girl in a distressed state in the area to get in contact.
Extra officers will be in the city centre to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance.
Superintendent Lisa Orchard said: “Clearly this is an incredibly distressing incident for the victim and her family and we are working with them to offer support at this time.
“It’s important we piece together what happened.”
UPDATE 29/02/2016 12:52:
A man has been arrested in connection with a rape in Sunderland.
Detectives have been carrying out enquiries in the incident and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
He is currently in police custody helping police with their enquiries.
Southern Area Command Chief Inspector, Paul Milner, said: “This has been an incredibly distressing time for the victim and I’d like to thank her for her bravery in speaking to us, we have specially trained officers offering her and her family support and they will continue to do so throughout the course of the investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1254 270216 or crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.