Police re-appeal for information following rape in Redcar

The incident took began sometime between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Friday, March 3, when a woman aged in her thirties and her toddler were on the sea front near to the boating lake in Redcar.

A dark-coloured saloon approached them via the ramp and two men got out and forced the victim and child into the rear of the vehicle.

It then made its way down Turner Street and ultimately to Yearby, on Longbeck Lane off the A174, where the woman was raped.

The child was unharmed.

The victim and child were forced out of the vehicle on Kirkleatham Lane, between the turn off for Kirkleatham Museum and the bus stop towards Redcar, between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young, from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire major Investigation team, said: “Our inquiries are continuing today into this horrific incident and our partner agencies are providing support to the woman and her child, who have obviously been through an extremely traumatic experience.

“We are carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries today.

"The area was busy at the time of the incident as people walked by with their dogs and local workers may have been on their lunch break.

"The victim was screaming for help as she was forced into the car.

"Someone must have seen or heard her.

"Anyone at all with information is urged to call police.”

Chief inspector Emily Harrison, from Redcar and Cleveland Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have increased high visibility patrols in Redcar and would remind the public that offences of this nature are extremely rare.

“These extra patrols will continue for the foreseeable future and we would encourage any members of the public to approach the officers if they have any information or concerns.

"As a precaution, we would also encourage local people to be extra vigilant.”

The first suspect, who was driving the vehicle, is described as a white male, aged in his late twenties or early thirties, around 5ft 7” to 5ft 10” tall, with short, brown hair, of large build with the word “love” tattooed across his knuckles.

The second suspect, the passenger in the car, is described as a white male, aged in his early twenties, around 5ft 5” to 5ft 6” tall, of medium build, clean shaven and with brown hair. He had a local accent.

Any witnesses or anyone who may have private CCTV in the area who hasn’t already contacted police is asked to do so on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111 or: www.crimestoppers-uk.org.