A TEENAGE girl was forced into a churchyard and raped by another teenager on Tyneside.

It happened on Monday, October 13, at approximately 8pm. The teenager was walking along Park Lane in Shiremoor.

An unknown male, who is described as being in his early teens, approached the teenager and forcibly led her towards St Mark's Church on Brenkley Avenue and raped her in the grounds of the church.

The incident was subsequently reported to police on Friday, October 17. Officers are carrying out enquiries in the area.

Detective Sergeant Donna Rose said: "This was an extremely traumatic experience for this young girl. We have specially trained officers who are working with her, offering support to her and her family at this difficult time.

"Reports of this nature of obviously concerning and we're doing everything possible to establish exactly what happened. We also know that these incidents can be concerning to the local community, there are extra patrols in the area.

"We're appealing for witnesses, anyone who was in this area at the relevant time and may have seen or heard anything suspicious, is asked to contact officers."

Police are continuing to carry out enquiries in the area and additional officers are on patrol to reassure the community.

Inspector Adrian Tallantyre, North Tyneside area command said : "We have additional uniform officers on patrol in the area, anyone with any concerns is asked to speak to an officer."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 395 of 17/10/14 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.