A TEENAGER was raped in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).

The 19-year-old woman had been at the O2 Academy on Westgate Road, Newcastle with friends and was walking along the top of Pink Lane at the junction with Waterloo Street when she was attacked.

The incident happened between 2am and 3.30am.

The offender is described as a white man, about 6ft tall.

Northumbria Police have launched an investigation and the woman is receiving specialist support.

Detective Sergeant Tanya Robinson said: “This is clearly a distressing incident for the woman and we have specially trained officers ensuring she has the support she needs.

“We’re carrying out enquiries into the incident and would ask anyone who thinks they have information that could help to get in contact.

“We’d also like to hear from anyone else who was in the area around Pink Lane, Waterloo Street at the relevant time and who may have seen this woman or her attacker.

“There may be other people who had left the O2 Academy at around the same time and may have also followed this route.

“They could have important information that can help with our enquiries and help identify and trace the person responsible.”

Police are carrying out extra patrols across the city centre.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference 278 of 23/08/15, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.