Police issue photo of smiling man wanted in connection with rape of girl, 18, on night out

Police have released a photo of a man they want to speak to after an 18-year-old girl was raped on a night out in Newcastle.

Northumbria Police said the 18-year-old met a man while on a night out in Newcastle city centre on 27 April this year.

"Between 1am and 1.30am the following morning, while still in the city centre, the man is reported to have raped the woman," the force added in a social media post.

The man in the picture "was in the area at the time the rape is reported to have taken place", officers said.

The force added officers believe "he may be able to assist with our enquiries".

Police also said the victim was being "supported by specially-trained officers", and that "extensive enquiries have been carried out since the report was first made".

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting the reference number 048467B/24