POLICE are appealing for information after a woman was allegedly raped in her own home.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said officers received a report that a 40-year-old woman had been raped in the Bensham area of Gateshead on Wednesday, July 3.

The suspect is believed to be called Carl and is described as being of Asian appearance, around 28-years-old, 5ft 8ins tall and of chubby build.

He had dark brown or black hair, quite short and shaped into a V at the back. He had a full moustache across his top lip and slight stubble on his chin and cheeks.

The man was wearing a black baseball cap, a black hooded top with writing in the corner, a dark grey jumper with white writing on the front , dark blue jogging bottoms with red or white stripes down them and white trainers.

The spokesman said: "These were two people who were known to each other and the incident happened inside the victim's house.

"We need to trace this man and would like to appeal to him directly to contact police, or ask anyone who recognises him from this description to get in touch."

Anyone who recognises the man described is, or anyone with any information into the incident, is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191.