Rapist is still at large one year on from attack
A RAPIST who targeted a woman in a shock Sunday morning attack is still at large one year on.
The victim, who is in her 20s, was targeted as she walked in the Blanchland Avenue area, of Wideopen, North Tyneside at around 8.45am on Sunday, November 14, last year.
Police stepped up patrols in the quiet residential area after the incident and detectives appealed to passing motorists for dashcam footage.
Yet one year on from the horror attack, no one has been arrested.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman has once again urged anyone with information to come forward. She said: “A full and thorough investigation was carried out following a report a woman had been raped in Wideopen. Despite these extensive enquiries no arrests have been made.
“Detectives will follow up on any new evidence which comes to light and anyone with information, who hasn’t already come forward, is asked to get in touch.”
The victim was approached from behind by an unknown man and raped, police said at the time.
The stranger then left the scene and the distressed woman walked to the nearby Stalks Road area where she was helped by a male cyclist and his female partner. Once home, the victim’s family rang officers who launched an investigation.
The suspect is described as being in his mid to late 30s, more than 6ft tall, and of a thin build with olive skin, a gaunt face and dark hair.
Blanchland Avenue is a semi-circular road made up of bungalows and family homes which leads to other residential streets at both ends. After the attack people living on the street told the Chronicle of their fears that the attacker could be someone who lives nearby.
Neil Todd, who lives opposite a grassy area where residents believe the attack happened, said: “It’s got to be somebody local or somebody who lives here.
“It’s quite disturbing wondering what this person was doing here. Sunday mornings are very, very quiet round here, so what was that person doing round here?”
A woman, who asked not to be named, said: “We just need him caught and locked up. It does make me feel uneasy. Everybody you see on this street lives here.”
■ Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log NP-20211114-0393.