POLICE want to trace a man after a woman alleged she was raped in Sunderland.

Detectives are carrying out enquiries into the incident, which is reported to have happened between 2.30am and 3.15am on Saturday, October 6.

The 25-year-old woman had been out socialising for the evening with friends in Sunderland city centre and left the Ling Sun Chinese takeaway on Vine Place around 2.30am.

She found herself in Prospect Row in Hendon at 3.15am on Saturday morning near the Old Welcome Tavern and knocked on a local resident's door in a distressed state. The police were then called.

Police are trying to establish exactly what happened to the woman between the hours of 2:30am and 3:15am and are releasing details of what the victim was wearing in an effort to trace witnesses.

The victim is around 5ft 6ins tall and has long dark hair. She was wearing a black lace dress with three quarter length sleeves, black leggings and black size eight ankle boots. The woman's boots are still missing.

Officers are also releasing the details of a man they are particularly keen to speak to in connection with the incident. He was in the Chinese takeaway when the victim was and spoke to the woman. He is described as being in his late 20s to early 30s, of medium build and with short brown hair. He was clean shaven and was wearing a blue long sleeved top and dark trousers.

Northumbria Police's Detective Inspector Denise Clark said: "We need to find out where this woman went to after she left the Chinese takeaway and establish what exactly has happened.

"The victim's shoes are still missing - they are black ankle style boots and are size 8. If anyone finds these then I'd ask them to report this to police. If anyone was in the area and thinks they may have seen anything then I'd ask them to contact us straight away.

"I'd urge the man who spoke to the victim in the Chinese to get in touch with us as he may have information that is vital to the investigation."

Officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area and extra uniform patrols are in the area to reassure residents.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or to ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.