March set to be staged in city park
Police say they are working with the organisers of a march set to take place in the city centre this weekend.
Northumbria Police has said it is prepared for the event, which is due to be staged in Mowbray Park from noon on Saturday.
It is being planned by the Justice for the Women of Sunderland group, which says it wants people to come together “to make the streets safe again”.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are aware of a demonstration planned on Saturday at Mowbray Park.
“We have a duty to police protests and we respect the rights of people to hold such events.
“The force has extensive experience of policing such events and has been working closely with the organisers to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
“Police will be on patrol to offer reassurance to members of the public, and anyone with any concerns should talk to an officer.”
Inquiries are continuing into reports of two rapes in the park, which were made by two women in relation to separate incidents on the same day, Bank Holiday Monday, May 28.
Two women in their 20s told officers they had been attacked inside its grounds.
Two men, one aged 19 and the other 18, have been arrested in connection with the incidents and have been released under investigation pending further inquiries.
Officers have appealed for anyone in the park between 9pm and 10pm or saw anything suspicious in the area to get in touch.
They say the women are being supported by speciallytrained officers as the probe progresses.
Police are also continuing to investigate two alleged rapes in Roker Avenue.
On Wednesday, May 23, a woman reported she had been raped at an address in the street.
Araz Abdulla, 23, of Roker Avenue, is due to stand trial on November 26 after pleading not guilty of rape earlier this week at a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
He had been remanded in custody until that date.
Saheed Rasoolli, 30, of Hylton Road, Sunderland, has also been charged with rape in relation to the same incident.
His case will be in court for a plea hearing on July 9.