A DARLINGTON park was cordoned off by police on Thursday following the rape of a teenage girl.

The 17-year-old victim was attacked in North Park, at some point between 9.30pm and 10.45pm on Tuesday, May 14, detectives said.

Forensic teams carried out investigations at the site of the attack and bagged evidence from the scene.

Officers said the victim had spent the evening with friends before becoming separated from them.

They believe she was then approached by a man who spent some time with her before carrying out the attack close to the bowling green in the park.

Detectives are urgently trying to piece together the victim's movements between 9.36pm, when she was with friends in Station Road and 10.42pm, when she was seen near the play park in North Park, running away from the scene.

At one stage during that period she is believed to have been in the same location as the suspect, on the steps behind the snooker hall on Eldon Street.

The Northern Echo: Forensic officers inside the cordon in North Park, Darlington. Picture: CHRIS BOOTHForensic officers inside the cordon in North Park, Darlington. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out a forensic examination of the scene, house-to-house enquiries and are reviewing CCTV from the area.

Anyone who may have seen the victim between the relevant times or has CCTV footage from the area  is being asked to contact Durham Constabulary immediately.

Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Davies, who is leading the investigation, said: “The victim is a teenage girl who has understandably been left very distressed by what has happened to her.

“We urgently need help to trace the exact route she took between 9.36pm, when she was in Station Road, and 10.42pm, when she was found at the play park.

“She was wearing a pink top and blue jeans and was carrying a very large and distinctive square-shaped blue bag.

“Anyone who saw the victim at that time or who recognises the description of the attacker should contact us at once.

The Northern Echo: A number of PCSOs are stationed at the scene to protect the area of North Park within the cordon near the playground. Picture: CHRIS BOOTHA number of PCSOs are stationed at the scene to protect the area of North Park within the cordon near the playground. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw someone meeting the attacker’s description near the park, or has dashcam footage which shows anyone emerging from the Thompson Street West or North Road entrances to the cemetery at that time.

“If someone has a friend or relative who matches the description and who returned home shortly after the offence took place, we would also urge them to come forward."

The suspect is thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s, about six feet tall and of slim build. He is described as being white and of tanned appearance, with short, shaven hair, and wearing a grey tracksuit. He spoke with a foreign accent.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington CID on 101, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.