POLICE have made an arrest in a Carlisle sexual assault investigation.

Detectives are investigating a sexual assault that occurred on Lowther Street, Carlisle in the early hours of this morning.

Officers were called to the report at around 4:40am.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody.

The victim, aged in his 40s, is being supported by specialist officers and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers are appealing for anyone with any information to contact police.

There is currently a cordon in the area of Portland Place and English Gate Plaza North. 

Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Coombes, North Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding Team, said: “I’d like to reassure the public that we have a team of detectives investigating this incident.

“An arrest has also been made.

“We are in the early stages and we would welcome the public’s support by reporting information which could assist.”

Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit , quoting incident number 19 of October 20. You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police closed off Portland Place between The Border Rambler and Buzz Bingo following the assault during the night.

A police officer on the scene said: "There was an assault during the night and we're waiting for the CSI team to show up."

A Crime Scene Investigation van arrived on the scene shortly after 10am.

An employee from The Border Rambler said that they were unable to access the back lane of the pub and had been told that it would be closed off until midday.