AN investigation has been launched after a woman was sexually assaulted in Scarborough.

The 19-year-old woman was assaulted in King Street Car Park some time between 2.40am and 3.20am on Sunday.

Police have cordoned off the car park as they investigate the incident.

Officers are appealing to people who saw anybody in the area of King Street Car Park in the early hours of Sunday morning to contact them with information.

Of particular interest to officers is a man who was described as running from the location at the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This is a serious allegation and I am appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

“If you heard anything or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the car park around the time the incident occurred, you may have information that can help the investigation and I urge you to get in touch.”

Anybody with information that can help the investigation is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 1 – and pass information to the Force Control Room.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number NYP-09032014-0206 when passing information about this incident.