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A rape suspect alleged to have attacked a woman on Northumberland Street has appeared in court.

Fakhrul Islam was charged after a 24-year-old woman was allegedly raped in Newcastle city centre, during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The 27-year-old, of Beaconsfield Street in Arthur’s Hill was brought before Newcastle Magistrates Court on Friday.

With the aid of an interpreter the defendant, who speaks Bengali, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the hearing.

Mr Islam was told the case would be sent to Newcastle Crown Court where he will appear on November 13.

Gary Fothergill, prosecuting, said: “Can I invite you to send the case to crown court forthwith.”

The bench ruled Fakhrul Islam should be remanded in custody until the next hearing.

The victim was allegedly raped on Saville Row, just off Newcastle’s Northumberland Street, after a night out in the city.