Police investigation after alleged assault of woman in Ponteland Park

The woman was walking in the area of the park between Waitrose and the Memorial Hall. Picture from Google.

Officers are looking for a suspect after a shocking report of a masked man assaulting a woman from behind at a Northumberland park.

Northumbria Police has issued a description of the man as part of an appeal that it hopes will help trace the suspect following the incident, which was reported to have taken place in Ponteland Park shortly after 6pm on Friday (January 13).

The woman was walking in the area of the park between Waitrose and the Memorial Hall when an unknown man reportedly approached her from behind and grabbed her, placing both arms around her chest.

The victim has then managed to kick the offender and left the scene.

It is believed that the offender has then left the area, heading in the direction of Darras Hall.

The incident was immediately reported and an investigation was then launched. Inquiries remain ongoing and police remain in the area, carrying out reassurance patrols.

Officers have already spoken to a number of people and reviewed CCTV of the area and are appealing for anyone who might have seen the man, or have information about this incident, to come forward.

The man is described as a white male, average height, large build, and was wearing a black beanie hat, with black gloves, and a black snood or scarf up to his nose. He was also wearing dark trousers and a dark jacket.

Inspector Kate Benson from Northumbria Police said: “Inquiries remain on-going following a report that a woman was assaulted in Ponteland Park.

“The offender has allegedly grabbed her by placing both arms around her chest, but has fled the scene in the direction of Darras Hall after the victim kicked him. She then left the area and contacted police.

“While the victim was physically uninjured, she was left shaken by the incident.

“Officers have already been carrying out a range of inquiries and additional, high visibility patrols are on-going in the area.

“We would also urge anyone with information to come forward.

“This type of behaviour is not acceptable and as a force, we want to reassure our communities that offences like this will be dealt with robustly.”

Coun Christine Greenwell, Mayor of Ponteland, said: “Ponteland Town Council and the community were shocked to hear about the recent alleged assault in Ponteland Park.

“They urge anyone with any information to contact the police via their website or by ringing 101.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police by using the ‘Tell us Something’ page on its website – or by calling 101, quoting log NP-2023-0113-0881.