Masked man raped woman in her home

An investigation has been launched following a report that a woman was raped by a masked man in her Houghton home.

At about 10.40pm on Monday, police received a report that a woman had been attacked at her home address in Newbottle.

Detectives are now appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area before or after the incident to come forward.

The attacker has been described as a white male who was thought to be wearing a dark hoodie and a dark face mask at the time that the attack took place.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Cass-Williams said: “An experienced team of officers have been carrying out a range of inquiries since the incident was reported to us.

“We are now appealing for anybody who saw anything suspicious – or believes they may know something that can assist with the investigation – to come forward.

“Specialist officers continue to offer support to the victim, who is obviously very shaken by what has happened, and an increased police presence remains in the area as officers carry out inquiries and offer any reassurance to residents. “If any residents in Newbottle have any questions then please do speak to those officers on patrol and we will do our best to help. Anyone with information about the incident itself is urged to pick up the phone and ring 101.”

Anyone who has any details can call 101 quoting log 1205 27/07/20 or report it online on Northumbria Police’s website.