A DISTRESSED teenager who had been raped was found in a wooded area in Middlesbrough on Tuesday morning.

Cleveland Police have launched a rape investigation after the 18-year-old woman was found among trees on Cheltenham Avenue, off Stainton Way, at 8.30am in the morning.

Police have not released any further details, except to say it is believed she had travelled from another location. However, it is not known how she arrived in Middlesbrough at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Jeff Fleet from Cleveland Police Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org