POLICE investigating Wednesday night's attack on a teenage girl say they are now dealing with a rape investigation and are appealing for the public's help to identify the assailant.

The attack happened in Highfield Park, off Highfield Lane, just after 7pm.

An updated description of the offender has been released. He is described as having a pale complexion with brown stubble on his chin, wearing black tracksuit bottoms, a black hooded top, black gloves and blue Nike air trainers with an orange logo.

Detectives are keen for witnesses to come forward and are urging a potential key witness, a man believed to have been walking three dogs in the area at the time, to get in touch.

Specially trained officers are continuing to support the victim and Northumbria Police has reassured residents that the attack is not thought to be linked to any other incidents of this nature.

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 and quote reference 1085 24/06/15.