Teen arrested on suspicion of rape
POLICE REMIND PUBLIC THEY MUST NOT IDENTIFY ANYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
FORENSIC teams have been pictured searching an area near a Middlesbrough school as an investigation continues after a teenage girl was reportedly raped.
Cleveland Police confirmed earlier yesterday that an 18-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of rape.
He was taken into custody and is being questioned by detectives following the incident in the Saltersgill area of Middlesbrough on Monday night.
The teenage girl is being offered specialist support while inquires continue and neighbourhood officers remain in the area conducting reassurance patrols.
Inquires are being carried out in the Saltersgill area and forensic investigators were spotted in an area near Trinity Catholic College, off Lacy Road, alongside a cut near the school gates.
Pictures taken at the scene showed a number of police vehicles and officers in the area, along with a crime scene investigation team.
Forensic teams in white suits were spotted searching the area along the school fence off one of the main entrances yesterday afternoon.
Trinity Catholic College has let parents know the incident is not connected to the school and extra staff were on duty at home time to offer additional reassurance.
A number of police vehicles were seen parked near the school but there was no police activity within the school grounds.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “Officers are in the Saltersgill area of Middlesbrough after receiving a report of the rape of a teenage girl last night (Monday, July 11).
“An 18-year-old man was arrested last night on suspicion of rape and he is currently in custody facing questioning.
“The victim is being offered specialist support while enquiries continue, and neighbourhood officers remain in the area conducting reassurance patrols.”
Members of the public have been reminded not to post names or details identifying anyone who may be involved in the sexual assault as it could jeopardise legal proceedings.
All victims of sexual assaults are given automatic anonymity and should not be named or identified.
Details posted on social media also have the potential to risk any future legal or court proceedings.
A spokesperson for the force added: “This is a live investigation with an arrest. Please do not name or identify anyone who may be involved as this could seriously jeopardise the legal process. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”