Published at 16:56, Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Police have launched an investigation after a woman was sexually assaulted in a Cumbrian town.

The 19-year-old was attacked at the back of Scott's fish and chip shop, which is behind the Warehouse pub in Penrith, at about 1.30am on Sunday.

The victim did not require hospital treatment and is being supported by her family and specially trained officers.

It is not believed to be a stranger attack.

The area around the scene was cordoned off so that crime scene investigators could search for evidence.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Hudson, of North Cumbria CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "This kind of incident is unusual for Penrith and the neighbourhood policing team will increase patrols in the area to offer reassurance to locals."

Anyone with information about the assault should call Penrith CID on 0845 33 00 247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• A 17-year-old youth has been arrested by police in connection with the incident and released on bail pending further enquiries.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk