POLICE are appealing for information after they received a report of a rape in Hartlepool in the early hours of this morning.

The incident is reported to have taken place around 3am today, Sunday 1st December, to the rear of York Road, at the junctions of Lucan Street and Middleton Grange Lane, before the male suspect made off towards York Road.

The victim, a 40-year-old woman, is receiving support from specially-trained officers.

The suspect is described as in his late twenties to early forties, with short hair, slim build and a local accent. He was wearing a black Ellesse hooded top and dark jeans.

Officers would appeal to anyone with information and to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have dashcam footage to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Holly Angus from Hartlepool CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 204939.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.