OFFICERS investigating a report of a sexual assault of a teenager in a city park have appealed to the public for information.

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 18, police received a report that a 19-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted in Burn Park, off New Durham Road, Sunderland.

It was reported that a suspect approached the female in the park and tried to engage in conversation.

The male then made rude comments towards the victim, before groping her.

The offender then made off from the scene, running out of the gate of the park that leads out onto New Durham Road opposite South Hill Crescent.

An investigation has been launched and the victim is being offered support by officers at this time.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and want to hear from anybody who was in the area between 3pm and 3.30pm on the afternoon in question.

Detective Constable Kelly Sharp, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and we are committed to finding the person responsible and bringing them to justice.

“This incident happened in a busy park in broad daylight – so we are now asking anybody who thinks they were there on that afternoon and who may have seen something to come forward as soon as possible.

“We are also appealing for anybody who was walking along New Durham Road on that day who saw a man running away from the park, or motorists who were driving along that road and who may have dashcam footage, to get in touch.

“Your information, no matter how insignificant you feel it may be, could prove the key to ensuring the person responsible is located and put before the courts.”