Rape accused remanded in custody

A man has appeared before magistrates charged with raping a 17-year-old girl in her County Durham home.

Lee Michael Bellwood also faces a charge of burglary in connection with the attack in Darlington on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, from the town, entered no plea and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear before Teesside Crown Court on 16 June.

Police said the teenager was asleep in her bedroom when an intruder got into the property.