Police get 15 phone calls after hunt for North Ormesby ROMANIAN sex attack suspect

Appeal made on national television show :: Cezar Florea, 26, is wanted on suspicion of attempted rape following attack in June

The search for a man wanted in connection with a vicious sex attack in North Ormesby has had a boost following a TV appeal.

Cezar Florea, 26, is wanted on suspicion of attempted rape following an attack on the A66 flyover near Lytton Street on Saturday June 7.

Now, police have received a number of leads following a national appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Following a national appeal on Crimewatch last night, police received around 15 phone calls from people reporting potential sightings of Cezar Florea.

“Officers are currently in the process of going through these and carrying out inquiries.”

The 51-year-old victim was punched and dragged down a footbridge before being sexually assaulted.

A man came to her aid, chasing the suspect who ran off towards North Ormesby.

Following the attack, the victim underwent shoulder surgery and also sustained a broken nose.

As a result of her injuries, she remained in hospital for more than a week.

Police are asking the public not to approach Florea, who was originally from Romania but has links to Stockton and Middlesbrough.

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