DETECTIVES last night ruled out a link between two rapes which happened less than a mile apart on Wearside.

A 17-year-old girl was the victim of a knife-point attack as she walked home in Albany, Washington, shortly before 10pm, on Thursday.

The girl had taken a bus from Heworth Metro station to Albany Way and was heading home when the attacker pulled her into a quiet area, in nearby Rosegill, where houses are being demolished.

He threatened her with a knife and raped her before fleeing the scene.

The girl was treated by doctors and was yesterday being comforted by specially trained police officers and relatives.

In July, a 15-year-old girl was dragged into bushes and raped after crossing a footbridge over the Sunderland Highway that links nearby Oxclose and Blackfell.

Detective Inspector Ray Morton, of Washington CID, said the rapes were not connected.

He said: "The girl is traumatised, but she is receiving specialist help from trained officers and is obviously being supported by her family.

"She is recovering, but she is very upset by what happened.

"We are not connecting this attack with any other attacks in the area.

"To use a knife is an aggravating feature and it is very unusual. We are treating the attacker as dangerous and are making every effort to trace him."

The rapist was in his late thirties, 5ft 9in, of large build, with black or brown hair going grey at the sides.

He had stubble on his face and was wearing a blue or blue and red fleece jacket.

Det Insp Morton urged women to take care when they were out.

He said: "The area where this attack happened is being pulled down at the moment and is a bit of a rabbit warren.

"Women should stick to the main areas and stay in groups if possible."

Anyone with information on the attack is urged to call Washington police on 0191-454 7555.