ROCK fans are being urged to help police catch a rapist who attacked a 17-year-old girl after this week's Bon Jovi concert on Tyneside.

Police have launched an investigation into the assault which happened after the teenager had been among a crowd of thousands which enjoyed a two-hour concert by the veteran US rockers.

The girl went to a friend's house after Tuesday night's open air concert at Gateshead International Stadium, which finished at about 10pm.

She told police she was attacked behind the town's High Street, at 11.30pm, as she walked home from her friend's.

The attacker forced her into bushes behind Computer House and raped her.

The girl suffered minor injuries, and was extremely shocked. She was being interviewed by specially trained police officers yesterday.

Detectives at Gateshead East CID made an urgent appeal for information in catching the attacker.

Officers believe some of the 30,000 fans who saw the group, fronted by millionaire singer and actor Jon Bon Jovi, could hold vital clues.

Many more fans had gathered on a hillside outside the venue.

Although the show had finished 90 minutes earlier, with a fireworks display, many fans would still have been milling about the area.

Drinkers at the Blue Bell pub, close to the scene of the attack, could also have heard or seen something significant when they left at closing time, said police.

Gateshead was congested after the concert as people made their way home via cars, coaches and public transport.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Due to the concert there were more people in the area than would be normal, and we are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything at the time of the rape to contact us."

Her attacker is described as 25 to 30, 6ft 2in, clean shaven, with a dark complexion.

Anyone with information is urged to call Gateshead East CID on 0191-454 7555