Detectives are hunting a double rapist who struck twice in under two hours. 

The first rape of a woman occurred between 11pm and 12am on Saturday night.

A short time later at around 12.30am, on Sunday, a second rape of a woman was reported.

The incidents both occurred in an alleyway on Yarm Road in Stockton and are believed to involve the same man.

Both women are being supported by officers and numerous lines of enquiry are underway to identify the suspect.

Detective Chief Inspector Chatterton said: “I want to take this opportunity to reassure residents that we are working extremely hard to identify and arrest this man.

“While officers continue to review hours of CCTV footage, I would like to encourage members of the public to come forward if they have information that could assist with the investigation.

"This includes checking dash cam and doorbell footage or if they saw a man acting suspiciously in the area.

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“We understand how concerning this will be to people living in our community and we have increased our patrols in the area to provide reassurance.”

If you have information, please contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 173185.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.