AN 18-year-old girl has been raped at knifepoint on open ground near a main road.

The teenager was found by a passing cyclist.

Northumbria Police have launched an inquiry into the attack, next to John Reid Road, near Bruce Close, South Shields, at 9.40pm on Thursday.

A police spokesman said: "The man threatened the woman with a knife before carrying out the offence and escaping the area on foot.

"We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

House-to-house inquiries are under way and CCTV footage will be examined but, as yet, there is no description of the attacker.