AN investigation has been launched following a report of an alleged incident of historic sexual abuse in the Stockton area.

A woman, who was aged 10 at the time of the incident, told officers she was sexually assaulted in the Whitton area in the early 70s.

It is believed that the man she claims is responsible drove a van which sold groceries to people in the villages of Whitton and Stillington, possibly sometime between 1973 and 1974.

Detective Constable Chris Pringle, from Stockton Volume Crime Team, said: “We would always encourage victims of historic sexual abuse to come forward and report any incidents to us, whatever the passage of time. We can assure them that any report of historic sexual abuse is taken extremely seriously.

“With regards to this particular incident, anyone who may have information regarding the van or the driver is urged to contact police or Crimestoppers.”

Anyone who may have information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to contact DC Pringle on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.