POLICE are appealing for information after a teenage girl was raped at knifepoint in Newcastle.

A police spokesman said the officers received a report that a 15-year-old girl had been robbed while walking in Elswick Road at 10:40pm yesterday.

Officers spoke to the victim who then disclosed to officers that the man responsible had raped her.

The suspect in his late teens approached her and threatened her with a knife, he then took her to the grassed area between Park Close and Gloucester Terrace.

Newcastle Chief Inspector Steve Hails said: "We need to speak to anyone who was in Elswick Road last night around the time the offence happened and who may have seen or heard anything.

“I'd urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously or any suspicious behaviour to contact us as soon as possible with any information at all.”

He added: "We have extra officers in Elswick Road today and they are speaking to residents to see if anyone saw or heard anything.

“There will be more patrols in the area and a visible policing presence to reassure the community and give people the opportunity to speak to the police.

"We are checking CCTV opportunities in Elswick Road and would ask that anyone who has private CCTV cameras on their homes to check them for anything that could help us with the enquiry.”

The suspect has been described as about 5ft 8in tall, with dark skin and of slim build. He was wearing a black leather jacket and a black fleece hat.

Officers are carrying out inquiries at the scene, while the victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with any information into the incident is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.