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A woman was raped on the street in the middle of Newcastle city centre.

At around 4.30am on Tuesday, a 24-year-old woman was walking along Grainger Street in the city centre when she was approached by a man.

He spoke to her and walked with her through the city before raping her on Saville Row, just off Northumberland Street, say police.

Now, police are wanting to speak to a man described as being Asian, around 5ft 7ins, of slim build and with black hair.

Officers are also urging anyone who recognises the description or who saw anything suspicious to get in touch.

Newcastle city centre neighbourhood inspector Darren Adams said: “Inquiries are ongoing into this report and we want to hear from anyone who might have any information as to who this man might be or anyone who was in the city centre in the early hours of this morning and may have seen anything.

“We are working with the victim to try and put together the exact circumstances around this incident and specialist officers are giving her all of the help and support that she needs at this time.

“Incidents like this are concerning and as a precaution I’d urge everyone who is out in Newcastle city centre really late at night, or early in the morning, to try and stay with friends or with groups of people.

“Try and avoid walking home alone and if you’ve been on a night out then make plans to get home safely and with your friends as much as you can.

“We need to find this man as soon as possible and I’d urge anyone with any information to contact us straight away.”

Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who was in the areas of Grainger Street or Northumberland Street, and who might have seen a man matching the description, to contact them as soon as possible on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference number 96 271015.