A TEENAGER has been raped and her friend sexually assaulted in a Sunderland park.

At 6.58pm on Monday, December 8, police received a report that a man had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl and raped her friend, aged 16, at Mowbray Park.

An investigation is underway and enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what happened, including speaking to the two teenagers and checking CCTV in the area.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses - specifically anyone who saw anything suspicious in or around Mowbray Park - in particular a man in company with two girls.

Superintendent Ged Noble, Sunderland Area Command, said: "These are extremely serious allegations and we're doing everything possible to piece together what has happened and establish the circumstances.

"We understand incidents such as this cause concern in the community and I'd like to reassure people we're doing everything possible to trace this man.

"Obviously this is extremely distressing for the two teenage girls and specialist officers are providing the support they need at this time. Extra patrols are taking place in the area and residents should speak with local officers if they have any information or concerns."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, quoting reference 1047 08/12/14, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.