Girl, 15, raped near Sunderland city centre car park

The incident happened around 10pm last night on a grassed area in St Mary's Way, near to the car park.

The offender is described was in his 30s, thin build, around 5ft 8in tall and spoke with a local accent.

Officers are carrying out inquiries 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 inquiries 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 and for this reason would like to hear from anyone who was in the city centre in St Mary's Way around 10pm last night to please come forward and speak to us, as they could have vital information that could help identify the offender.

"He is described as a white male in his 30s, thin build, around 5ft 8 inches tall and spoke with a local accent, and I would urge anyone who thinks may know who this is to get in contact.

"Extra officers will be in the area speaking to people and offering reassurance, and anyone who can help with our enquiries should either pass this on to an officer on patrol or ring us on 101."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1254 270216 or crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.