POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was raped in Newcastle.

It happened on Friday, May 27 between 10.45pm and 11.05pm as the 16-year-old girl was walking alone along a waggonway from Tyne View in Lemington walking eastwards.

The teenager had been with friends earlier who had walked part of the way with her before leaving to go to their homes. As she continued on alone along Hadrian Way to Sugley Way she was grabbed by a man wearing a balaclava.

He then raped her and left, leaving her in an extremely distressed state. She then managed to telephone for assistance.

She has been taken to hospital for treatment and specialist officers are with her.

The offender is described as approximately 5ft 4ins tall, was dressed all in black, wearing a jumper, trousers and trainers and a balaclava.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Anderson said: "We're appealing for help from the public to help us find the man responsible for this horrendous attack on a young girl. She is extremely shocked and traumatised as a result of the ordeal she was put through.

"Understandably this is an incredibly distressing incident for the victim we have specially trained officers ensuring she and her family has the support they need.

"It's important we trace the man responsible and I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and anyone who thinks they may have information that could help, to get in contact with us straightaway.

"This area is a popular location for dog walkers and it is believed there was a man with two dogs seen in the area just prior to the attack and police are keen to speak with him.

Officers are carrying out searches of the area and are making house to house enquiries.

Neighbourhood Inspector Alan Pitchford added: "Officers will be carrying out patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the local community and anyone concerned can speak to an officer.

"As part of our enquiries officers are in the area speaking to local residents."

Officers need to speak to anyone who was in the area last night and noticed anything unusual in the area of the attack, or anyone with information about the incident. They should call 101 quoting reference number 1430 27/05/16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.