Two women were sexually assaulted within 15 minutes of each other in an attack in the early hours.
The incidents happened on Barrack Road in the Fenham area, close to the BBC headquarters, between midnight and 2am.
Officers said the first victim reported being attacked by a stranger, but the man fled when disturbed by a passerby.
When police arrived, they found a second woman who said she had also been assaulted around 15 minutes earlier.
Both are now being supported by specialist officers as detectives investigate. Police believe the two assaults may be linked.
Officers have now charged David Robson, 29, with sexual assault and attempt to kidnap or falsely imprison a person with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence in relation to the first reported attack.
The incidents happened on Barrack Road in the Fenham area, close to the BBC headquarters, between midnight and 2am
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and urging anyone who was on Barrack Road at the time to come forward.
Det Ch Insp Chris Deavin, of the force’s safeguarding team, praised the victims for their bravery.
He said: ‘We would like to take this opportunity to praise the victims in this case for their bravery. We will continue to offer them all the specialist support we can during this time.
‘Since the reports were received, we have been conducting extensive enquiries to identify a suspect, including a trawl of CCTV.
‘We have also been conducting extra patrols in the area as the safety of the public is our utmost priority.
‘While incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our area, we recognise the concern they may cause.
‘Additional patrols remain in the area and anyone who has any concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer.
‘We are committed to bringing perpetrators of these types of crimes to justice.’
The police reminded the public that victims of sexual offences have lifetime anonymity and should not be identified.
Anyone with information should contact the force on its website or by calling 101. Use reference number 097492Y/25.
