DETECTIVES investigating the rape and attempted murder of a woman are eager to trace a knife used in the attack.
A 30-year-old woman from Newcastle was stabbed three times at the miniature railway car park at Rudyard Lake.
The attack happened at 2.30am on Monday, November 1, and the woman broke free and ran to a nearby house.
The male attacker is believed to have used a five-inch knife, and police are appealing for help in tracing the weapon.
"I'm appealing to anyone who may have found such a weapon to contact the incident room as soon as possible," said Det Insp Bob Titley.
"This was an extremely serious incident, and we're working hard to find the man responsible.
"He may have returned home bloodstained, and the inside of his 4x4 vehicle is likely to have been marked or damaged during the attack.
"People need to think whether they know him or the vehicle, and call us if that's the case."
The attacker drove a dark silver-trimmed 4x4, and police are asking for help from valeting firms who may have information about vehicles matching the one used in the attack.
They also want to contact owners of 4x4s matching the above description.
The man picked the woman up in Burslem, before driving to Sneyd Green and Rudyard.
The man police are seeking is in his late 20s, five feet five inches tall with dark hair, stocky
He wore a t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.
The incident room number for anyone with information on the attack is 08453-302010.
