Manhunt launched following reports woman raped in Hartlepool town centre street in early-morning attack

An appeal for information has been launched after police received a report of a rape which took place at around 3am on Sunday, December 1, to the rear of York Road near the junctions of Lucan Street and Middleton Grange Lane.

Following the attack, the male suspect is believed to have taken off towards York Road.

The victim is receiving support from specially trained officers.

A police cordon remains in place on Middleton Grange Lane and a police van is at the scene.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: “Police are appealing for information after they received a report of a rape in Hartlepool in the early hours of this morning.

“The incident is reported to have taken place around 3am today, Sunday 1st December, to the rear of York Road, at the junctions of Lucan Street and Middleton Grange Lane before the male suspect made off towards York Road.

“The suspect is described as a white male, aged in his late twenties to early forties, with short hair, slim build and a local accent. He was wearing a black Ellesse hooded top and dark jeans.”

Officers are appealing to anyone with information or was in the area around the time who may have dashcam footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Holly Angus from Hartlepool CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 204939 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.