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Detectives are today working to trace passengers who were travelling on the North Shields to Amsterdam ferry when a woman was raped.

The 23-year-old was attacked in a cabin onboard the DFDS service sometime between midnight and 3am on Saturday April 4.

Police believe she had been in the cabin with two men when the incident happened.

Detectives from Northumbria Police’s Rape Investigation Team now want to trace a group of men the victim had been speaking to before the incident

Officers have since contacted DFDS for passenger lists, and are now trawling through the ship’s CCTV for clues.

Acting Det Sgt Dave Croskery is urging anyone who was onboard the ferry and thinks they have any information to contact police.

“We have been in contact with the ferry operator to identify the passengers who were on the ship at the time and will be viewing CCTV so that we can identify the two men,” he said.

“We want to speak to any passengers who may have information that can help with our inquiries and I would ask anyone who was on the ferry to come forward and contact us.”

He added: “This was clearly an incredibly distressing incident for the victim and we have specially trained officers working with her to offer her support as we carry out inquiries.”

A spokesman for DFDS said passenger safety was the company’s number-one priority.

“We are very concerned to hear the report about this incident and are working closely with the police and all the relevant authorities to assist them with their inquiries,” he said.

“Although we are unable to comment further on this, as it is an ongoing police investigation, we would like to reassure all passengers that the safety of our guests is of paramount importance.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 953 100415 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.