Man, 24, charged with Hartlepool town centre rape

Paul Rowntree, 24, of no fixed abode, has been charged with rape following the alleged incident which took place in the early hours of Sunday, December 1, at the junctions of Lucan Street and Middleton Grange Lane.

He appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Tuesday, December 3, and will next appear at court on January 2, 2020.

Police had launched an appeal for information has been launched after receiving a report that a woman had been raped, with the male suspect believed to have taken off towards York Road following the attack.

Officers also appealed for anyone with information or anyone was in the area around the time and may have dashcam footage to come forward.

The victim is said to be receiving support from specially trained officers.