A MAN arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a teenage girl in York is still being questioned by police.

An investigation was launched in York at the weekend after the incident and a 32-year-old man from York was arrested. North Yorkshire Police said today he was still in custody and being questioned by officers.

A spokesman said two teenage girls were approached by a man in McDonald’s in Blake Street at about 1.30am yesterday.

The man then followed them to a bench outside the entrance to the Museum Gardens and allegedly attacked one of the teenagers near some benches on the river path close to the steps at Dame Judi Dench Walk.

The area where the incident is alleged to have happened - the riverside from Lendal Bridge along to Marygate - was cordoned off throughout much of yesterday to allow forensic examinations and searches to be carried out.

Following the attack, the man was last seen walking off in the direction of Scarborough Bridge along the river path. It is believed that he may have been with two other men before entering McDonald’s.

Police are asking witnesses who may have been in McDonald’s at about 1am yesterday and in the vicinity of the riverside footpath near Dame Judi Dench Walk, or walking across Lendal Bridge between 1am and 1.30am.

They particularly want to speak to two witnesses who could be crucial to their investigation. The first man is described as white, aged 18 or 19-years-old, with short brown curly hair. He was wearing a blue and yellow Nirvana t-shirt and blue jeans.

The second man is described as white, with a slim build, also aged 18 or 19, with short, brown, straight hair. He was wearing a white-coloured top with blue long-sleeved arms and jeans.

Both men were seen walking across Lendal Bridge in the direction of the Minster at around 1.15am to 1.30am in the early hours of Sunday, and were approached by a young female seeking their help.

Anyone with information that can help the investigation is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 - select option 2 - and ask for York CID.

Alternatively, information can be emailed to YorkCID@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

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