DETECTIVES hunting a man who raped a 13-year-old girl are appealing for three men who were with him shortly before the attack to come forward.

The teenager was making her way home along a footpath behind Hylton Redhouse Comprehensive School, in Sunderland, when she was raped at 9.15pm on Friday.

The attacker had been with three other youths, thought to be aged between 16 and 20, who left the scene as the girl aproached them, leaving the attacker on his own.

Detective Sergeant Deborah Alderson said: "We would urgently appeal for this group of lads to contact the police. They may not have been aware that the rape was taking place or they may be vital witnesses.

"We are confident that they know who they are and would ask them to come forward."

The rapist was white, aged 16 to 20, 5ft 6-8in tall, of slim build, with a fair complexion and spotty chin.

He wore a dark blue or black tracksuit, with a blue, Bur-berry-style baseball cap and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sunderland City CID on 0191-454 7555, ext 66144.