A 14-YEAR-OLD girl was subjected to a serious sexual attack at a North-East abbey earlier this week.

The teenager was with two other friends in West Yorkshire when they were offered a lift by three men in a Y-registered Renault Clio. They were taken to Bolton Abbey, in North Yorkshire, on Monday afternoon. The girl was then led across a field with one of the men, believed to be in his twenties, and was subjected to a serious sexual assault.

After the attack the men drove away from the abbey, leaving the girls behind.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the men or the car at the abbey between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

The tattooed attacker is described as white. He wore dark trousers and was bare chested. The victim, who is blonde, was wearing a white skirt and white top.

"We are looking to speak to an elderly couple in a gold Toyota car who were in the car park, and also a woman who may well have walked past the girl and man in the field," said a police spokesman.

Detectives also want to reassure the public that they feel it was an isolated attack and they should not be deterred from visiting the abbey.

Witnesses are asked to contact the police on (01756) 793377 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.