Police appeal for witnesses following reported rape in Hartlepool town centre

An appeal for information has been launched after police received a report that a woman had been raped at around 3am on Sunday, December 1, to the rear of York Road and 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.

Cleveland Police have today confirmed that inquiries into the incident are ongoing and said the force is continuing to appeal for witnesses.

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

“The incident is reported to have taken place around 3am on Sunday, December 1, 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 police on 101, quoting event number 204939 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.