POLICE have cordoned off a wooded area in a business park in Middlesbrough as reports suggest officers were searching the area with an evidence bag.

The cordon is currently in place in the wooded area near Bulmer Way with an officer guarding the area.

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Reports suggest officers were seen combing the grass and woodland, which runs close to the A66, with sticks.

According to reports, officers were seen with sticks and an evidence bag combing the area.

The cordon has since been taken down and police have left the scene.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "The police presence is part of ongoing enquiries into a report of rape on a female.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Cleveland Police for a comment.

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