Northumbria police launched an investigation after a member of the public discovered that the woman was in agony in North Tyneside Park around 4:10 p.m. Monday. The police officers attended and spoke to the woman, who said he approached her a man, forced her to fall on the ground and raped her before he leaves the scene. The 400-acre park, located on land recovered from the former Rising Sun Colliery, is popular with dog walkers and families with young children who enjoy exploring the extensive trails, ponds and woodlands. Many living in the area have now expressed their shock and concern after hearing about the incident on social media. Read more: Police investigation after rape of 63-year-old in Rising Sun Country Park in Wallsend A lone female jogger who spoke to ChronicleLive but did not want to be named said: “I just heard about what happened. I’m shocked. using the park during the day. “Everyone wants to feel safe where they live and not worry about what others may do to them. This is the worst kind of crime one can commit against a woman and knowing that happened where I jog most days and so close to where I do Live is very scary. “I just hope the poor thing is well.” Margaret McKay, who lives just a few minutes walk from the park, walks there most days Rosie’s rescue beagle. He said: “I’m terrified. I’m 69 and to think that this happened to a woman not much younger than me is horrible. It ‘s shocking.” Margaret McKay with her hound Rosie. She is shocked by the rape of a 63-year-old woman in Rising Sun Country Park. (Image: ChronicleLive) He added that he never leaves later than 3.30 p.m. when the evenings become lighter. “It is very quiet as the children have usually returned home from school at the moment and there is not much people around. I do not feel safe after 6 in the afternoon and I am always very aware of what is happening around me. “I think this incident will make a lot more people worry about going out later, even when it’s light.” Rising Sun County Park is located just behind the Asda Benton and is a green oasis in a residential area. Early in the spring afternoon, even when it is cold and cloudy, dozens of dog walkers, jokers, cyclists and mothers with small children in strollers can enjoy the nature reserve. Read more related articles Read more related articles Rebecca Short, 31, from Palmersville, walks the two-year-old Labrador Izzy every day in the Rising Sun. Like other park users, she expressed her horror at the attack. “I come here every day and I tend to be mostly women I see when I’m out. It’s scary to think about what happened. With the lighter nights now it was not dark and even though I have the dog with me it makes you feel much more careful. “I was just walking along a path and saw a young man hiding in a bush. It turned out that he was young on a bicycle, but given what happened, it made me feel nervous.” Charlotte Ellis, 34, went for a walk with her two young sons aged three and eight months, her mother and their three dogs. He said: “This is usually a very safe place and I was stunned when I heard what had happened in broad daylight. I believe the spot where the rape happened is on our usual route around the park. “You feel safe when you take your familiar route. But once you know what happened, it’s a little contaminated.” Rising Sun Country Park in Wallsend (Image: Craig Connor / ChronicleLive) Her mother, 62, who did not want to be named, added: “It’s awful. You see a lot of women around here alone, but even before that I would not have come here alone. We saw the police van parked on the side of the road. That’s horrible news. “ Specially trained officers support the victim. Chief Inspector Detective Shelley Hudson said: “We understand that this may be a matter of concern to the community and public safety is paramount. “The victim is fully supported and extensive investigations are underway.” Anyone who has information or has noticed any suspicious behavior is encouraged to contact the police via the Tell Us page on the Northumbria Police website or contact 101 by calling NP-20220328-0700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Read more related articles Read more related articles
