A 26-year-old man from County Durham has been arrested after a woman was raped in Northallerton.
Police were called at 1.17am on Thursday following reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted at a property in the town.
North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation which led to the man being arrested during a high-profile search operation involving a significant number of officers on Thursday evening.
He remains in custody while enquiries continue.
Two other men, one in his 40s and another in his 20s, were also arrested in connection with the investigation on Thursday morning.
However, police said both men have since been released with no further action after being eliminated from the investigation.
The victim is receiving specialist support following the incident.
Inspector Rory Sadler, from 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.”
He also addressed speculation circulating locally about possible links to another recent incident.
Inspector Sadler said: “I’d also 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 stress that the incident in Northallerton is isolated and we are not looking for anyone else as part of our investigation.”
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