Police appeal for information over Sunderland rape (From The Northern Echo)

Police appeal for information over Sunderland rape

12:14pm Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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A TEENAGE boy was raped in Sunderland, police said today.

The 16-year-old boy was walking along a street when he was approached by a man and asked for a light before he was sexually assaulted and raped.

The boy was then able to flee the scene.

The attack happened at around 4am, on Tuesday, March 16, in the area of Bond Close and Southwick Road.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 11ins tall and of slim build.

He had short dark hair in no particular style, was unshaven and spoke with a local accent.

He was thought to be wearing a navy blue Barbour jacket and was walking a German Shepherd dog.

Detective Inspector Tim Miley, from Northumbria Police's Rape Investigation Team, said: "We would like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to trace this offender and extensive enquiries are underway.

"We would appeal for the public's help and ask that anyone with information or anyone who recognises the man from his description come forward as they may have vital information to assist with our enquiries.

"People may have seen this man walking his dog in this area previously so we would ask them to contact us."

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Northumbria Police Rape Investigation Team on 0345 043 043 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.