DETECTIVES in Northallerton investigating a serious sexual assault outside the Friarage hospital are appealing for two witnesses to come forward.

It happened between 4pm and 5.30pm on Friday, October 24, at a bus stop near the accident and emergency unit at the hospital, when an 18-year-old woman from the town was attacked.

An 18-year-old man from Richmond arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail pending police enquiries.

Officers said during the assault a woman walking a dog spoke with the victim and a man called a security guard to deal with the incident, they say they need to speak to these two people urgently.

Detective Constable Gillian Gowling, of Northallerton Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said: “I urge these two potentially vital witnesses to come forward straight away as they may have important information that can help the investigation.

“The victim who was left extremely upset by the experience is continuing to receive support from specially trained police officers..

“I also need to speak to anyone else who was in the area at the time and has not yet already contacted the police.”

Contact Northallerton police on 101, select option two and ask for Gillian Gowling or email gillian.gowling@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk