Man, 26, charged after woman allegedly raped in Northallerton

Police were called to a property in the town on Thursday (May 28) at 1.17am to reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted. 

North Yorkshire Police launched a “high profile” search of the area on Thursday evening and arrested a white, British 26-year-old from County Durham.

He was detained during a high-profile search of the area by a significant number of officers.

Today (May 30), police have confirmed the 26-year-old man from the Durham area who was arrested has now been charged.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court today, charged with two counts of rape, wounding with intent and aggravated burglary.

A man in his 40s and a man in his 20s were also arrested in connection with the investigation.

They have since been released with no further action following full enquiries and eliminated from the investigation.

The victim is being offered specialist support following the incident.

Inspector Rory Sadler, of Hambleton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This has been a hugely distressing incident for the victim and has caused alarm in the wider community.

"It's been a fast-moving investigation and there will continue to be a visible police presence in the area to reassure concerned residents.

“I’d like to provide some clarity about rumours circulating in the community. A white British man from the Durham area has been arrested in connection with this incident.

“I’m aware there is some speculation about links to a separate burglary in the Hambleton area. However, I can confirm police are treating these incidents as unrelated.

“I’d also stress that the incident in Northallerton is isolated and we are not looking for anyone else as part of our investigation.”