Police investigate rape in Durham
13th July, 2010
Detectives in Durham City are appealing for information after a woman was raped in her home in the early hours of Monday morning (July 12).
The victim, a woman in her late 20s, was sleeping on a settee in her house in the Newton Hall estate,on the outskirts of Durham when her assailant struck. It's believed he entered the house through the unlocked front door and was in the premises for around 15 minutes.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Winship, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This was a terrifying experience for the victim. I would urge anyone who was in the vicinity of Middleham Road and Rothbury Road between about midnight and 5am on Monday morning, and witnessed anything that might help with our enquiries to contact us."
"Incidents of this nature are very rare but we need to find the person responsible. I would appeal to people who were in that area between those times and may have seen or heard something, however insignificant it might seem, to get in touch."
The woman's attacker was wearing a balaclava and is described as white, 5ft 10 inches tall, of proportionate to stocky build and was wearing dark clothing.
The investigation is at an early stage and house-to-house enquiries are on-going. Crime scene investigators have also been in the street conducting an initial forensic examination which concluded yesterday.
Anyone with information can ring Durham City CID via the non-emergency number 0345 6060 365 or the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
