Police investigating the report of a sexual assault in Ashington are appealing for the public’s help.

Officers received a report that overnight on Tuesday/Wednesday (24-25th September 2024) an unknown man punched and sexually assaulted a woman inside a property. It was reported the offender knocked on the door and when answered forced their way into the address. The woman fought him off before he fled the scene. It is believed the offender could have been left with visible injuries to his face following the assault.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since the report came in, and today (Wednesday 2nd October 2024), officers are now also appealing to the public for information.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who knows someone with recently unexplained scratch-marks on their face. They would also like to speak to people who were in the Woodhorn Road area of Ashington between 11.45pm on the Tuesday and 2.20am the next day and witnessed anyone acting suspiciously.

Detective Chief Inspector Les Goodliff, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, said: “First and foremost, we want to recognise and praise the bravery of the victim who has shown incredible courage. Ashington is a tight-knit community and we would urge anyone who may have information about what happened to come forward – no matter how insignificant you think it may be, please contact us".