One arrest made after 14-year-old girl was ‘grabbed by three men’ and raped in Harrogate park

The teenager was attacked at around 4am on Tuesday morning

The scene remains cordoned off to allow police to search the area (Getty)

A man has been arrested in connection with the serious sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Harrogate.

The teenager was snatched by three men in the early hours of Tuesday morning. She was then dragged to the wooded area of the Valley Gardens park near Harlow Moor Road, where she was raped.

The scene remained cordoned off on Wednesday to allow North Yorkshire Police to continue searching the area.

Officers said the man who had been arrested was helping with their enquiries, but added that they were still seeking further information regarding the attack and asked witnesses to come forward.

“I’d like to emphasise that investigations remain ongoing and the public’s help is vital, so we’d urge anyone with any information to come forward,” said Detective Chief Inspector Dave Ellis.

“We realise the incident will cause a great deal of concern in the local community. But I’d like to reassure residents that we are doing everything possible to investigate this incident while providing a strong police presence in the community.”

He added that they were continuing to provide specialist support to the victim.

Earlier, Detective Inspector Mark Pearson said the force was doing everything it could to find the men responsible for the attack.