A WOMAN was raped by a man who asked for a light for his cigarette.

The 50-year-old woman was in Newcastle city centre on Monday when she was approached by the man, who offered to take her for a drink.

They were walking through Leazes Park at about 2.20pm when he forced her into bushes and raped her.

He took her handbag, which was black and had a print of Marilyn Monroe on it.

The bag contained a number of personal photographs and has not been recovered.

The attacker was white, with a very pale complexion, between 35 and 40, and 5ft 7in. He was slim, with a round face and very short, light brown hair.

He was clean shaven, wearing a pale blue Lacoste tracksuit top, light tracksuit bottoms and white training shoes.

He spoke with a local accent.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw someone fitting the man's description in the area or who has any information about the rape.

Also, anyone with information about the whereabouts of the handbag is asked to call 0191-214 6555, ext 62126