Two men have appeared in court today after being charged with rape.
Eid Anwar Fathi Najjar, 20, and Mohammed Abrahim Abuzet, 24, were in the dock at York Magistrates’ Court.
Najjar, of Burton Stone Lane, York, and Abuzet, of Laisteridge Lane, Bradford, spoke through an Arabic interpreter.
Because they couldn’t speak to an interpreter in person to talk about their case with their lawyers, the hearing was adjourned until Monday.
Both were remanded in custody until then.
The charges follow a report of rape in the early hours of Sunday (6 July) when passers-by came across a distressed woman in the Pavement area of York.
Police launched an extensive investigation.
Two men were arrested shortly afterwards on Monday and Tuesday.
Detective Superintendent Fionna McEwan, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Although reports of this nature are rare, we appreciate that it will be of concern to local people.
“We would like to reassure the public that an extensive and expeditious investigation has been carried out and this is continuing.
“The victim continues to be supported by specially trained officers with access to independent support from our partner agencies.
“My thanks go to the two members of the public who came to the woman’s aid and sought help for her.”