A TEENAGER has been raped inside a busy city centre bar.

Police are investigating the rape of an 18-year-old woman inside Ohso bar in the Groat Market, in Newcastle in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday).

Officers believe the offender, who was aged about 19 and spoke with a southern accent, approached the victim inside the bar and the incident took place in the premises.

He is described as being white, of slim build with blond hair that is short at the sides and long on top.

He was wearing a grey or light green t-shirt and blue jeans and had a number of different coloured festival bands on his wrist.

Police were called to the scene at around 1.45am and enquiries are ongoing, but officers are appealing for anyone who was in Ohso last night (Monday) to contact them as soon as possible.

Detective Inspector Helen Anderson said: "We want to speak to anyone who was in Ohso last night and who might have seen anything suspicious.

"The bar was busy with lots of people inside. We're checking CCTV footage to try and identify the suspect and to establish if he was part of a larger group who were in the bar.

"We've issued a description of the man we want to identify and speak to and we want to hear from anyone who was there last night and who thinks they might have seen the suspect or anyone with any information that could help us with our enquiries.

"Specially trained officers are supporting the victim and are working with her while enquiries are being carried out into the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.