POLICE are investigating a serious sexual assault in North Yorkshire.

A teenage girl was grabbed by a man in the playing fields of King James’s School in Knaresborough on Sunday morning.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 9am and 11am to get in touch.

The victim received support from specially trained officers. The area of the incident was cordoned off to allow for forensic examination and searches.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This is an extremely distressing incident and I am appealing for people to come forward if they have any information that may help the investigation.

“I would ask anyone who may have been at King James’s School between 9am and 11am on Sunday to contact me as soon as possible. Did you see anyone in the vicinity of the school this morning? Or did you see or hear anything that gave you cause for concern? If so, I need to hear from you.”

Anyone who can help with this inquiry should contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101, selecting option 2 and ask for Harrogate CID.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 176 of April 5 when passing on any information about this incident.