Teenager arrested on suspicion of raping 15-year-old girl in Sunderland

Now police have appealed for help in tracing a woman they believe could be a vital witness.

The alleged incident happened in the early hours of Saturday, July 16, in a house in the Barnes area.

After the incident, the 15-year-old victim was walking home and was near the Barnes Gyratory when she was offered a lift by a woman in a white van.

The woman took the girl to a house in Castletown where she dropped her off. It is thought this happened between 2.35am and 3.35am.

Officers believe the woman could be a key witness and have vital information that can help with the investigation.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released on police bail.

Detective Inspector Denise Clark said: “The woman very kindly offered the girl a lift home and dropped her off in the Castletown area, unfortunately we have no other description other than she was in a white van.

“We’re keen to speak to this woman as a witness and would ask that she please get in connect with us.

“We think she may have picked the girl up between 2.35am and 3.35am. If this was you, please ring us.”

If this is you please ring 101 and quote reference 249 160716. Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.