A WOMAN has been raped in the early hours of the Saturday following a night out in Hartlepool.

A local 27-year-old woman was assaulted by two men walking along Lancaster Road near to the junction of Middleton Road between 4am and 5am.

Two local men, one aged 19-years-old and one aged 20-years-old have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in police custody being questioned.

Detective Sergeant Lee Rukin of Hartlepool CID said: "The incident has occurred in an area that is regularly used by taxis and people walking home from the town. I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area to come forward or any witnesses to the incident to contact us."

Anyone with information should call 01642-302126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.