A WOMAN was ambushed by three men and raped as she made her way home from a Love Parade party at the weekend, it has been revealed.

A police spokesman said the 21-year-old victim had been with friends at Newcastle's Exhibition Park shortly before minutes before the attack, which took place a short distance from revellers.

The woman, who is from the West End of Newcastle, had left her friends at 10.30pm on Saturday and ended up in the south-east corner of the Town Moor when she got lost.

She was approached by three men and pulled to the ground by two, while the third raped her.

Detectives have released an electronic image of the man who spoke with a southern accent.

Acting Detective Inspector David Harris said: "This was a shocking attack on a young woman who had been enjoying the music and dancing with friends at Exhibition Park.

"She was able to give a very good description of the man."

The rapist was described as 23-24 years old, of slim build with a pale complexion and thick brown hair with dyed blonde streaks growing out. He had a round face, large green eyes, small nose and mouth.

He was wearing a gold hook earring with a cross and blue and white checked short- sleeved shirt with dark blue jeans and white Nike trainers.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw a man fitting the description and his companions in the Great North Road area of Newcastle.

They are also keen to hear from taxi or bus drivers and hoteliers who may have seen the man.

The victim, who was very distressed following the incident, has got treatment from the Reach rape crisis centre.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 0191-214 6555 ext 62958.

Meanwhile, a teenage partygoer who was admitted to hospital in a critical condition after taking drugs at the Love Weekend was described as "much improved" today.

The 19 year old from Manchester had been transferred from intensive care to a ward at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Updated: 15.45 Monday, July 23