DETECTIVES investigating an alleged sexual assault at a North Yorkshire nature reserve say their investigation has ended.

North Yorkshire Police said they received reports of an assault on a woman at the Quarry Moor Nature Reserve in Ripon at the end of March.

A spokesman announced yesterday that they were “not looking for anyone in relation to this incident”, and “the circumstances were not as first reported”.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder, who led the investigation, said: “We take any reports of sexual assault very seriously and all reports are fully investigated. We encourage victims to come forward to report any such crime.”

The woman involved continues to be supported by specialist agencies.

Anyone wishing to seek advice or support can contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at turntobridgehouse.org


E Yorks residents urged to make gardens secure

RESIDENTS in East Yorkshire are being urged to make sure their sheds, garages and gardens are secure as the nights get lighter.

Humberside Police said lighter nights often meant criminals were on the prowl for easy pickings.

“As the weather warms up, we all spend more time outside, but we all also get a bit lax about leaving our property around and locking our sheds and garages when we use them,” said a force spokesman.

“Opportunist criminals are on the lookout for bikes, tools, sports gear and fishing tackle in sheds and garages, as well as in gardens.

“To stop them getting hold of your stuff we would urged you look at your sheds, garages and outbuildings and assess how secure they are.

“Do you need a better lock, an alarm, lighting, or even CCTV? If something is really valuable, it might be better off in your house.”


Woman burned by oil from pan fire

A WOMAN was taken to hospital after suffering burns to her hand when a pan of oil caught fire at a North Yorkshire property.

Firefighters were called early yesterday evening to the bungalow in Fieldway, Harrogate, but the fire was out on arrival, and the woman had escaped the building with two children.

A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said she was given first aid but later taken to hospital by paramedics for treatment.

He added that a smoke alarm was fitted and it raised the alarm.


Lord Mayor to stage quiz in aid of charities

THE Lord Mayor of York will be holding a pub quiz night later this month in aid of his chosen charities of the year, York Teaching Hospital Charity and York Against Cancer.

The quiz starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 28, at The Ainsty in Boroughbridge Road and entry is £3 per person, including entry into a free prize draw.

The winning team will win a voucher to use in local York restaurant, said the Lord Mayor, Cllr Ian Gillies.

“The quiz is general knowledge, so any one can get involved,” he said.

“Tickets can be purchased in advance from the York Teaching Hospital Charity by phoning 01904 724521, or emailing charity.fundraising@york.nhs.uk.”


Car in bridge crash

FIREFIGHTERS were called to Bridge Street in Goole yesterday after a car crashed into a bridge.

A Humberside Fire Service spokesman crew made the vehicle safe by disconnecting the battery.


Reunion for hairdresser

FRIENDS and family are holding a reunion to remember a popular York hairdresser who died ten years ago.

Paula McDonnell ran the Oz Hair salon in Pavement, York, and was a British World Hairdressing Federation tutor and a demonstrator for various major companies.

Mrs McDonnell died from cancer in April 2005.

The Oz Hair reunion takes place at the Royal Oak pub in Goodramgate at 4pm tomorrow.


East Riding regeneration funds

SEVEN East Riding towns have received council cash for projects to regenerate their high streets.

A total of eight projects have shared about £53,000 for proposals as varied as a seafood festival, Tour de Yorkshire celebrations, and festivals.

In Goole, a £3,690 grant will fund a public art trail and a booklet based on the town’s Pier Head painter Reuben Chappell; while part of Holderness Coast Fisheries Local Action Group’s £10,000 grant will help boost the image of the whole of the East Yorkshire coast.

Helen Hoult, the fund manager for the council, said: “Since the fund was launched last year, almost 50 per cent of the total £300,000 budget has now been committed to projects. We are keen to receive applications from the other eligible locations, including Pocklington, Market Weighton, Brough, Withernsea and Hessle.

Grants of between £2,000 and £5,000 are available for single organisation applicants, while joint applications can apply for up to £10,000. Round six dates are yet to be announced.

Enquiries should go to Helen Hoult on 01405 767654 or email helen.hoult@eastriding.gov.uk.