A man was raped under a busy road bridge after accepting a lift from a stranger.
The 24-year-old victim got into a dark saloon car in the early hours of Monday morning.
He was then attacked on an area of grass below the Redheugh Bridge over the River Tyne, in Newcastle, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
Officers from Northumbria Police’s Rape Investigation Team are now hunting the rapist and appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Detectives would particularly like to hear from a “Good Samaritan” who stopped near the scene and gave the distraught man a lift home.
Newcastle City Centre Acting Chief Inspector Caroline Ord said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the victim and specially trained officers are working with him to ensure he has the support he needs at this time.
“Extra patrols will be carried out in the city centre to offer reassurance to people and we would encourage people to make sure they ensure their own safety when they’re out and have plans to get home.
“Anyone who is concerned can speak to an officer on patrol.
“We’re keen to speak to the Good Samaritan who may have witnessed something in relation to the incident without being aware.”
