FIVE men were being questioned by detectives last night in connection with the gang rape of a deaf woman in a dark churchyard.

The men, all in their 20s, were arrested in early morning raids on two addresses in the Leeman Road area of York yesterday.

The swoops came ten days after the 36-year-old woman was repeatedly assaulted in St Martin's churchyard, by Micklegate, in York.

The victim is also unable to speak, so could not scream for help during her ordeal, which took place between 1am and 4am on Sunday, November 13.

She had been drinking with friends in a nearby Reflex bar, before leaving with a man.

The arrested men were all taken to Selby police station for questioning and were still being held in custody late last night.

Detectives also searched two properties in the Leeman Road area of the city following the arrests.

Police are still appealing for three people who may be able to help them with their investigation to come forward.

They include a man who helped the woman get into a car in Micklegate after the incident, the driver of the car - which took the woman to the Huntington Road area of the city - and a male passenger who was already inside the vehicle.

Anyone who was in the Reflex bar or in the general area between 9pm on the Saturday and 6am on the Sunday to contact them on (01609) 768111.