Published at 11:09, Thursday, 14 March 2013

DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses as they investigate a report that a serious sexual assault took place in Cumbria on Saturday afternoon.

By Gareth Jones

Between 5pm and 6pm , a 22-year-old local woman was approached by an unknown man in Kendal town centre. It is believed that she was then subjected to a serious sexual assault in the vicinity of Angel Yard in Kendal.

Police are questioning a local 29-year-old man in connection with the offence and he remains in police custody this morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Qazi said: “A team of detectives is working on this enquiry and we are now turning to the public for help.

“It is alleged that a serious sexual assault occurred in Kendal town centre on Saturday afternoon in a yard leading from Highgate. Were you shopping in Kendal on Saturday afternoon or making your way home from work? Do you remember seeing a man and woman together in a yard off Highgate? Did you hear or see something suspicious?

“The assault occurred in a public place and we believe that there will have been someone in the area who will have heard or seen something. We are asking the public to think back to Saturday afternoon and come forward with information.

“The victim and her family are being supported by specially trained officers at this time.

“A 29-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the allegation.

“Fortunately, serious sexual assaults are rare in Kendal and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the victim is supported and the offender is brought to justice.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk