THREE men have been arrested on suspicion of carrying out a rape in Selby town centre.

Half a dozen police cars descended on Gowthorpe at around 3.30pm yesterday and arrested the three, who are all local. Detective Inspector Steve Smith, who is leading the investigation, said a report of a serious sexual assault had been made yesterday afternoon.

DI Smith would give no details about the alleged victim and would only say that the attack was said to have taken place within the previous 24 hours in the town centre area.

Yesterday afternoon, crime scene investigators were in Gowthorpe searching for evidence and they were expected to be still there last night.

DI Smith said: “Inquiries are at a very early stage of the investigation. It is anticipated police activity in the area will continue throughout the evening.”