Man arrested over rape allegation in Byker, Newcastle

A man has been arrested after an allegation of rape in Newcastle.

Police received a report of rape by a taxi driver on a 32-year-old woman in a car park at Algernon Road in Byker at 03:35 BST on Thursday.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and later bailed pending further enquiries.

Det Insp Paul Race said: “We’d like to reassure people that we are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish what has happened.”

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A RAPE investigation has been launched after a woman was allegedly attacked by a taxi driver.

Specialist detectives are today working to piece together what happened after receiving a report of the attack, which is said to have happened in a car park.

Police were alerted to the incident, at around 3.35am, on Thursday.

It was reported that a 32-year-old woman had been attacked by a cabbie in a car park on Algernon Road in Byker, Newcastle.

Officers attended the scene and a 29-year-old man was arrested.

He was questioned on suspicion of rape, before being released on bail.

Detectives are now asking the public to help. They are appealing for anyone who was in the Algernon Road area of Byker at the time to get in touch.

Det Insp Paul Race from Northumbria Police’s Rape Investigation Team said the public should be reassured that an arrest has been made and the incident is being thoroughly investigated.

“We’re investigating an allegation of rape which was received on Thursday morning and extensive inquiries are ongoing,” he said.

“Obviously incidents such as this cause concern, however, we’d like to reassure people that an arrest has been made and we are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish exactly what has happened.”

Northumbria Police set-up its Rape Investigation Team two years ago.

The squad of specialist detectives now probe all allegations of rape in the force area, working to improve the service provided to victims and bring more offenders to justice, with quick and successful prosecutions.

Officers have forged strong links with CPS barristers who specialise in rape prosecutions, as well as support services such as the REACH sexual offences referral clinics, doctors, and other support services.

Anyone who was in the Algernon Road area around the time of the offence who may have witnessed anything or who has any other information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 0345 604 3043 ext 69191 and ask for the Rape Investigation Team.

Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.