Reported rape of teen girl in Harrogate park didn't take place, say detectives

Police investigating an alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in a Harrogate park said today that no attack took place.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Feb 2016, 14:09 BST
Updated 25th Feb 2016, 16:10 BST
The scene at the Valley Gardens in Harrogate after the alleged rape.The scene at the Valley Gardens in Harrogate after the alleged rape.
The scene at the Valley Gardens in Harrogate after the alleged rape.

A major investigation was launched last week after the teenager told police she was grabbed by three men in the town’s Valley Gardens.

North Yorkshire Police said at the time that she “was then taken to a wooded area near Harlow Moor Road where she was sexually assaulted”.

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In a statement today, the force said it had concluded its investigation into the incident at 4am on February 16.

The scene at the Valley Gardens in Harrogate after the alleged rape.The scene at the Valley Gardens in Harrogate after the alleged rape.
The scene at the Valley Gardens in Harrogate after the alleged rape.

It said: “Officers would like to reassure the public that the incident was not as first reported and that no attack took place in Valley Gardens.

“The girl involved continues to receive support from specialist agencies. The two men who were arrested in connection with the report have been released without charge.

“North Yorkshire Police take all reports of sexual assault seriously and will always conduct a thorough investigation.”

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Anyone who is a victim of rape or sexual assault is urged to contact the police, but if you prefer not to involve the police, you can get help and support from Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 01904 669339 www.turntobridgehouse.org.

Related topics:PoliceHarrogateNorth Yorkshire PoliceNorth Yorkshire