THE detective at the heart of a “brutal” rape investigation in Darlington has described the incident as a “very nasty physical and sexual assault”.

Det Sgt Sean Jackson has spoken to The Northern Echo to give an update on the police investigation after a 38-year old woman was attacked in the early hours of this morning.

Rape investigation - Man arrested on suspicion of attacking woman in Darlington

He said the woman, who lives locally, was walking home from a pub in the town centre when she was punched in the face and “brutally raped”.

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home.

A 21-year-old man, who also lives locally, has been arrested on suspicion of rape and is in custody at Darlington police station where he will be questioned later today.