POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a young woman was raped late on Christmas Eve.

The 19-year-old woman was attacked in Gateshead at approximately 11pm as she walked along Durham Road towards Cambourne Grove.

She was approached by a man, thought to be in his early 20s, who walked towards her, then dragged her into a nearby back lane and carried out the attack.

The victim shouted and screamed throughout the attack and her attacker ran off. The distressed woman then made her way to a nearby house and banged on the door to ask for help and raise the alarm.

Police are appealing for anyone who heard or saw anything at the time to contact Gateshead CID on 08456 043043 ext 64144.