Two held after 'terrifying' rape in cemetery

Entrance to Dean Road Cemetery on Columbus Ravine in ScarbogroughImage source, Google
Image caption,

Police said the rape happened in Dean Road Cemetery in Scarborough in the early hours of Sunday morning

  • Published

Two men have been arrested after a person was raped in a cemetery in the early hours of Sunday.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened at about 01:50 BST in Dean Road Cemetery in Scarborough.

Officers said two men, 18 and 21, were arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of rape and remain in custody.

They said the victim was receiving specialist support while the investigation continued.

Det Ch Insp Dave Ellis said: "This was a terrifying incident, and we continue to support the brave victim who came forward to report it.

"Our investigation is well under way, and as part of this two people have been arrested and remain in custody for questioning."

He said officers were keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time of the assault.

They have also appealed for an individual who was walking down Dean Road around that time, heading from Columbus Ravine towards Northstead, who may have "crucial" information.

“Could you be the person we need to speak to? Were you in the area at the time? If so, please get in touch," Det Ch Insp Ellis added.

“We understand this incident may cause concern in the community, but we would like to provide reassurance that we are treating this as an isolated incident."

Motorists or taxi drivers who may have dashcam footage from the area have also been urged to contact the force.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, externalX (formerly Twitter), external, and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk, external.