POLICE are hunting for a rapist after a woman was attacked in an underpass in the early hours of the morning.

The 40-year-old woman was raped near Redheugh Bridge, in Newcastle at around 3.30am today (FRI).

Officers say they are hunting for a man aged around 19-year-old who was of slim build an spoke with a local accent. He was wearing dark jeans, a dark T-shirt and grey hooded top.

Superintendent Paul Orchard of Newcastle Area Command, said: "An investigation is underway and we are asking anyone who was in the area in the early hours of this morning to contact us as they may have seen or heard what happened and be able to help us identify the offender".

Anyone who was in the area around the time of the attack or has any information is urged to contact Northumbria Police on 101.