A woman has allegedly been raped in broad daylight near a coastal hotspot as police arrest three teenagers.

Northumbria Police arrested three boys, all aged 15, following the incident.

The attack occured close to Tynemouth Priory and Castle in North Tyneside at about 4pm last Sunday.

Police confirmed the three teenagers were later released on bail as investigations continue.

North Tyneside, which includes Tynemouth, welcomed around six million tourists in 2022

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "Shortly after 3.50pm on Sunday we received a report of rape in the Tynemouth Priory and Castle area of Tynemouth.

"Officers have arrested three males, all aged 15, on suspicion of rape.

"They have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

"Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact police."

Historic market square street of Tynemouth, Northumberland

Tynemouth Castle and Priory is a historic English Heritage attraction.

The site is 2,000-years-old and sits in the village overlooking the River Tyne and North Sea.

Tynemouth Castle and Priory originally was formed as an Iron Age settlement.

However, the coastal beauty hotspot later became an Anglo-Saxon monastery.

Tynemouth Castle and Priory, North Tyneside

It was repurposed as a gun battery during the First and Second World War to defend the North East, particularly the Tyne.

North Tyneside, which includes Tynemouth, welcomed around six million tourists in 2022.

The borough's visitor economy was estimated to be worth over £350million in the same year.

Tourism helps support as many as 3,500 jobs across North Tyneside.