Arrest after girl, 14, is dragged into Harrogate woods and raped by three men

Police investigating the alleged rape of a teenage girl by three men in Harrogate have made an arrest today.
Police at the scene in Harrogate, after a 14 year old girl was attacked. Picture: Ross Parry AgencyPolice at the scene in Harrogate, after a 14 year old girl was attacked. Picture: Ross Parry Agency
Police at the scene in Harrogate, after a 14 year old girl was attacked. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

The 14-year-old was in the town’s Valley Gardens at around 4am yesterday when she was grabbed by three men. The scene of the crime was cordoned off at 4.30pm.

North Yorkshire Police said she was taken to a wooded area near Harlow Moor Road where she was sexually assaulted.

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Officers are at the scene carrying out extensive investigations and offering the victim support.

Police at the scene in Harrogate, after a 14 year old girl was attacked. Picture: Ross Parry AgencyPolice at the scene in Harrogate, after a 14 year old girl was attacked. Picture: Ross Parry Agency
Police at the scene in Harrogate, after a 14 year old girl was attacked. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

The force said today that a man was arrested “in connection with the investigation and is currently helping police with their enquiries”.

Detective Inspector Mark Pearson said: “The investigation is still in its early stages and I’d appeal to anyone who might know anything, or saw anything suspicious in the area, to contact the police immediately.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we are doing everything we can to find these men and while the victim is being supported by specially-trained officers.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number NYP16022016-213 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.