Man charged with attempted rape of woman in 60s
GoogleA man has been charged with attempted rape after a woman in her 60s was approached by a stranger on the street and assaulted.
Northumbria Police said it received a report of sexual assault at about 22:40 GMT on 30 December in the Newcastle Road area of Monkwearmouth, Sunderland.
It said members of the public came to the woman's help and detained a man in his 40s, who was then arrested by police.
Ch Insp Louise McClennan said the force wanted to "recognise and praise" the bravery of the victim and those that came to her aid.
The man has also been charged with several other offences, including non-fatal strangulation and assault.
He appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on 1 January where he did not enter a plea.
He has been remanded in custody and is due at Newcastle Crown Court on 29 January.
Ch Insp McClennan said that while "incidents of this nature are extremely rare, we recognise the cause within communities".
"Our neighbourhood team are in the area and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to an officer," she said.
She also appealed for anyone with information to contact them.
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