A man has been charged with attempted rape in Sunderland, prompting police to seek witnesses for further information.
The incident took place around 10:40 PM on December 30, when a woman in her 60s was approached and assaulted in the Newcastle Road area. Thankfully, some bystanders stepped in to help her.
The victim is understandably shaken, but specially trained officers are supporting her through this tough time. The suspect, a 41-year-old man named Ian William Hudson, was detained by the public and later arrested.
Hudson has been charged with several offenses, including attempted rape and assault. He appeared in court on January 1 and is currently in custody, awaiting his next hearing.
Police have been busy investigating and are urging anyone with information to come forward. They’re especially interested in dash cam or CCTV footage from the area.
Chief Inspector Louise McClennan praised the bravery of the victim and those who helped her. She reassured the community that such incidents are rare but acknowledged the concern they can cause.
The police are asking everyone to avoid speculation online, as it could affect the ongoing legal process. Remember, victims of sexual offenses have lifelong anonymity and should not be named.
If you have any information or footage, you can reach out to Northumbria Police through social media, their website, or by calling 101 with the reference number provided.
