A woman was sexually assaulted in an underpass in Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, shortly before 2pm on Tuesday, Northumbria Police have confirmed. The incident took place as the victim walked from Thornaby Close towards Greendyke Court, and the offender left the scene before officers were notified.
Police description and appeal
Officers describe the suspect as a black man in his 20s, wearing a black T‑shirt, grey sweatpants and orange trainers. Enquiries are ongoing as detectives seek anyone who may have seen the man or who has dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the incident.
“Shortly before 2pm on Tuesday (July 28) we received a report of sexual assault in the Newbiggin Hall area of Newcastle... The offender left the scene prior to us receiving the report.”
The force has provided a reference number for the case: NP-20260728-0597, and is asking people to contact them via social media direct message, the live chat and report forms on the Northumbria Police website, or by phoning 101 if they cannot use those channels.
Local impact and context
Incidents of this nature in residential neighbourhoods raise immediate concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly where underpasses and other enclosed routes are used by residents to travel between streets. Newbiggin Hall is a community where such links are commonly used for short walks, school runs and local errands; the assault took place in daylight which may heighten local alarm.
Residents are likely to want reassurance about patrols and preventative action. At this stage police say enquiries continue; anyone with information that could assist should come forward to help trace the man described.
What to look for and how to help
- Note the time and location: shortly before 2pm in the underpass between Thornaby Close and Greendyke Court.
- Be alert to anyone matching the description: black male, 20s, black T‑shirt, grey sweatpants, orange trainers.
- Check cameras: if you have dashcam, doorbell or phone footage from the area at the time, preserve it and contact police.
Police have reminded members of the public that even small details — direction of travel, companions, or a vehicle seen nearby — can be important to investigators.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date/time reported | Shortly before 2pm, Tuesday (reported 28 July) |
| Location | Underpass from Thornaby Close towards Greendyke Court, Newbiggin Hall |
| Suspect description | Black man, in his 20s; black T‑shirt; grey sweatpants; orange trainers |
| Police reference | NP-20260728-0597 |
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police quoting the reference number above. Those unable to use online reporting can call 101. In the event of an immediate danger, people should always call 999.
Further updates will be provided as officers release more details or make arrests. For now, neighbours and regular users of the route are being asked to remain vigilant and to report anything that may assist the investigation.
