POLICE are investigating after a 20-year-old woman was raped on a recreation ground.

The victim had been in The Keys nightclub in Middlesbrough when she left for a cigarette at about 1.20am on Wednesday, October 17.

She turned right out of the club and went onto Southfield Road where she was accompanied by a man who she had got talking to.

She then headed back in the direction of Linthorpe Road with the man and it is believed that they may have got into a taxi outside The Keys just after 1.30am.

Cleveland Police are investigating allegations the woman was raped at about 2.20am in the area between Green Lane and Parkfield Avenue on the Mill Hill Recreation Ground in Tollesby, Middlesbrough.

The man is described as taller than 5ft 5in, of medium build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a grey, long-sleeved top, blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Sergeant Clark Graham, of Middlesbrough CID, said: “From our enquiries so far, we know that the victim and the man headed in the direction of Linthorpe Road.

"We believe that they may have got into a taxi together. If you think that you may have been the driver of that taxi, then we need to hear from you."

Any witnesses or anyone with further information is asked to contact DS Graham of Middlesbrough CID on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.