A woman in the North East was raped after being picked up following a night out in a North East town.

The incident happened yesterday when police were contacted by a woman reporting that she had been raped.

She was picked up by a man at around 5.30am following a night out at 7Even nightclub in Sunderland.

It was reported that the driver picked her up on Derwent Street before driving to the Hendon Beach area and raping her.

She was later dropped off outside her home in a disoriented condition and police were later contacted.

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An investigation was immediately launched by detectives from Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department and the victim is being supported by specially-trained officers.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing, including a review of CCTV and a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody.

Enquiries are on-going and today, (Monday) officers are asking for the public’s help and have issued CCTV images of witnesses they would like to trace.

Leading the investigation, detective chief inspector Shelly Hudson Hudson of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department said: "This is an extremely difficult time for the victim, and I want to begin by praising her bravery in coming forward. We will continue to support her in any way we can.

“Our officers have been working tirelessly to identify the person responsible, carrying out a range of enquiries and we are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

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"A number of bystanders were captured on CCTV in the area of the taxi pick up and we are urging them to come forward and share any information they may have.#

“We know the photo quality is very poor but believe if you were in the area at this time, you will be able to identify yourself.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you fear it might be, could prove crucial in this case.”