Woman raped in alleyway near York railway station

A woman was raped in an alleyway close to York Railway Station.

The attacked happened on Thursday afternoon (September 13).

The victim, a woman in her twenties, was assaulted by a man in an alleyway leading to the station.

Detectives from British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating – and are appealing for witnesses.

‘Very distressing incident’

A number of immediate enquiries are already underway, including seizing CCTV evidence and identifying any witnesses. No arrests have been made at this time.

Detective Inspector Granville Sellers from British Transport Police said:

• This would have been a very distressing incident for the victim and we have specially trained officers providing her with support.

  A number of urgent lines of enquiry are underway and I am today appealing for witnesses to this incident to get in touch.

  If you were near York station yesterday afternoon and saw anyone acting suspiciously, please get in touch as soon as possible.

  Thankfully incidents like this are incredibly rare and a full and thorough investigation is now underway to find the person responsible.
  

Large police cordon

A large area around the York Railway Institute sport centre has been cordoned off.

Police tape stretches from close to the entrance, sealing off the buildings round the corner to the car park facing the railway station.

A Fiat 500 was also taped off.

As well as several police vans, one fire engine from Acomb station was also at the scene.

Police officers were directing visitors as to where they could still park. The institute and the sports centre are still open, as is the Autohorn car park.

A scenes of crime officer was taking pictures from under the bridge.

Staff didn’t know what was happening. They posted a note on the window of the sports centre door saying: “Please don’t ask staff what is going on outside, cos we don’t know.”

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