Police sealed off Tower Gardens in York this morning.
Scenes of crime officers were at the riverside area investigating allegations of a serious sexual assault.
Members of the public reported a disturbance involving a group of people, “including people involved in sexual activity”, in the early hours of Sunday morning, police said.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Officers received the report at around 3.20am and are carrying out extensive enquiries into the incident and into allegations of a serious sexual assault.
“A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.”
Crime scene tape was stretched across all the entrances to Tower Gardens. A CSI van was parked on Tower Street, and another van on South Esplanade.
The cordon was lifted by 11.30am.
Earlier, officers at each entrance were advising pedestrians and cyclists on the best diversions around the cordon.
Two CSI officers were in Tower Gardens this morning. They were photographing an area close to Tower Place.
Two yellow evidence markers were on the path close to the river near South Esplanade.
The YO1 Beach Club – the summer beach and play area – was closed due to the investigation in the morning. But it reopened at 12.30pm, posting on Facebook: “We thank you for your understanding and hope to see you down there later!”
Anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to the police is asked to get in touch.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12210162345
