Serious sexual assault in Knaresborough

The victim, a teenage girl, was grabbed by a man during the incident, which took place between 9am and 11am on Sunday, April 5.

The area of the incident has been cordoned off to allow for forensic examination and searches.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This is an extremely distressing incident and I am appealing for people to come forward if they have any information that may help the investigation.

“I would ask anyone who may have been at King James’s School between 9am and 11am today to contact me as soon as possible.

“Did you see anyone in the vicinity of the school this morning? Or did you see or hear anything that gave you cause for concern? If so, I need to hear from you.”

The victim has been receiving support from specially trained officers.

Anyone who can help with this enquiry should contact North Yorkshire Police straight away: dial 101, select option 2 and ask for Harrogate CID.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Please quote reference number 176 of April 5 when passing on any information about this incident.