DETECTIVES investigating the rape of a woman are appealing to a man who spoke to the victim before she was attacked to come forward.
The woman had been on a night out with friends in the city centre when she left the Ling Sun Chinese takeaway, in Vine Place, at about 2.30am on Saturday, October 6.
She then found herself near the Welcome Tavern in Hendon, at 3.15am, where she knocked on a resident’s door in a distressed state before the police were called.
Police say they are still keen to get in touch with the man who spoke to the victim in the takeaway.
He is described as being in his late 20s to early 30s, of medium build with short brown hair. He was clean shaven and wearing a blue, long-sleeved top and dark trousers.
Officers say they are considering releasing pictures taken from CCTV cameras if they do not trace him.
Northumbria Police Detective Inspector Denise Clark said: “We know this man spoke to the woman in the takeaway and it’s possible he has important information which will help us in our inquiries.
“We have CCTV of him which we will release in an effort to trace him so I’d urge him to come forward as soon as possible.”
The victim is about 5ft 6in tall, has long dark hair and was wearing a black lace dress with three-quarter length sleeves and black leggings.
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191.