Police investigating sexual assault in Sunderland park

Officers received a report on Sunday, July 18, that a 19-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted in Burn Park in Sunderland.

Police say that a suspect approached the female in the park and tried to engage in conversation before making rude comments and then groping her.

The offender ran out of the gate of the park that leads on to New Durham Road opposite South Hill Crescent.

An investigation has been launched and police want to hear from anybody who was in the area between 3pm and 3.30pm on July 18.

Detective Constable Kelly Sharp, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and we are committed to finding the person responsible and bringing them to justice.

“This incident happened in a busy park in broad daylight – so we are now asking anybody who thinks they were there on that afternoon and who may have seen something to come forward as soon as possible.

“We are also appealing for anybody who was walking along New Durham Road on that day who saw a man running away from the park, or motorists who were driving along that road and who may have dashcam footage, to get in touch.

“Your information, no matter how insignificant you feel it may be, could prove the key to ensuring the person responsible is located and put before the courts.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website quoting log NP-20210718-0710 or email [email protected].

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