A MAN has been arrested following a sex attack on a woman in her home.

Cleveland Police said that the woman, in her thirties, described her attacker as Asian. She and a friend had shared a taxi to their respective homes in Middlesbrough after visiting a Stockton nightclub, early on Sunday. She was the last to be dropped off and the taxi driver asked if he could come inside to use the toilet where the alleged attack took place. Cleveland Police said yesterday a 26-year-old man had been arrested and released on bail pending the results of forensic tests.

DRUGS REMAND: A university employee has been remanded in custody on drugs and firearms charges. Mark McCabe's next appearance before Teesside Magistrates, on March 20, will be by video link. His arrest followed the seizure of £100,000 of crack cocaine and a sawn-off shotgun, recovered when police raided a building on the campus of the University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, where McCabe, 45, works. He has been suspended by university authorities. McCabe was arrested by police on his way to work on Tuesday.

ROAD ALERT: Motorists are warned about roadworks in Philadelphia Lane, Newbottle, near Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, this week. Sunderland City Council said essential strengthening works are being carried out between Chapel Row and Front Street. Lane closures will be in place during the course of the scheme.

OPEN DAY: Cleveland College of Art and Design is holding an open day on Wednesday, March 26, from 3pm until 6pm, at the Church Square campus, in Hartlepool, and the Green Lane campus, in Middlesbrough. School leavers can see the studios and facilities and talk to staff. For more information, contact (01642) 288888.

MISSING GIRL: Police are looking for 13-year-old Tamzin Jamie Thornton, who went missing from the Gateshead MetroCentre at 2.45pm yesterday. Tamzin, who is from the Durham area, is thought to have made her way to Newcastle. She is 5ft 5in, thin, with dark brown collar-length hair, in a pony tail. She was wearing a blue or purple Berghaus jacket, jeans and Nike trainers. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555 extension 64326.

MURDER CHARGE: A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pensioner. Mark Gorringe, 20, is accused of killing Kenneth Scott, 66, who was found dead at his home in Gray Road, Hendon, Sunderland. No plea was taken during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, and Gorringe, also of Gray Road, was remanded in custody until May 20.

VOLUNTEERS PLEA: People who can spare two hours a week to help the British Red Cross are being sought. National Red Cross Week runs from May 5 to 11, with collections and events running throughout the week. Anyone who would like to get involved should contact the charity on 0191-273 7961.