POLICE have charged a man in connection with a rape that took place more than 29-years-ago.

Officers from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team arrested a man on Monday in connection with the assault in York in 1988.

Following questioning, the 53-year-old from Goole was charged with rape, along with a Section 14 indecent assault under the previous Sexual Offences Act.

The alleged rape occurred in the Castlegate area of York at around 12.10am on October 29,1988.

The victim was aged 27 at the time and is receiving support from specialist officers as the case progresses to court.

The man arrested has been remanded in custody and will appear at York Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning (November 14).

Detective Inspector Steve Menzies, of the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team, is leading the investigation and said: “This investigation follows a significant amount of work conducted by our collaborative Cold Case Investigation Team.

“The dedicated team is comprised of a number of officers and staff who work tirelessly to re-investigate historical cases in both Cleveland and North Yorkshire that have so far remained undetected.

“With advances in forensic science and other investigation techniques, we are determined to bring offenders to justice.

"Importantly, we also aim to bring some form of comfort and closure to the victims of serious crimes.”