Sunderland house sealed off after woman attacked with suspected ammonia

A woman has been assaulted at a house in Hastings Street, Sunderland, after a man and woman approached the front of the house at 6.25am this morning (Friday, October 2).

A man is believed to have damaged the window before reaching inside and spraying the victim with suspected ammonia.

Police remain at the scene this afternoon and the house has been cordoned off as an investigation into the incident is launched.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible but the alleged attackers are believed to be known to the victim, who has been taken to hospital with injuries which are not life-threatening.

Neighbours said there has previously been trouble in the area.

One neighbour who didn’t want to be named said: “It started at about six o’clock. I heard the gate bashing and then I heard the shouting.

“There was a lass - I don’t know who she was. She was shouting ‘Come out you *******!’ and effing and blinding. She was shouting at another lass inside. She wouldn’t come out.

“There was a window boarded up and the lad knocked it out. They were away after that.

“It hasn’t just happened now. It’s happened about 20 times. There’s people round here with bairns. They shouldn’t have to put up with that.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 6.25am today (Friday) we received a report that a woman had been assaulted at an address on Hastings Street, Sunderland.

“It was reported that a man and a woman approached the front of the property. The man is then alleged to have damaged a window before reaching inside and spraying the victim with suspected ammonia. The pair then made off from the scene.

“The victim was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. An investigation has been launched into the incident and enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved, with all parties believed to be known to each other.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 130 021020.”

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