POLICE are investigating a serious sexual offence on a 19-year-old which took place in the grounds of a cemetery.
At 7.24pm yesterday evening (Thursday) police received a report of the incident which occurred in the grounds of Whitcliffe Cemetery, Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton.
A scene is currently in place to undergo forensic examination.
The victim is being supported by specially trained safeguarding officers and detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are carrying out extensive enquiries into the incident.
A 26-year-old man has been arrested by officers investigating the incident.
Anyone who witnessed anything in the vicinity of Whitcliffe Road between 6pm onwards or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting crime reference number 13230676809 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The full police statement, issued this morning, says: "Detectives are investigating a serious sexual offence on a 19-year-old in Kirklees.
"At 7.24pm yesterday evening (7/12) police received a report of the incident which occurred in the grounds of Whitcliffe Cemetery, Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton.
"A scene is currently in place to undergo forensic examination.
"The victim is being supported by specially trained safeguarding officers and detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are carrying out extensive enquiries into the incident.
"Officers have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the incident."
People living in the area have spoken of their worry and concern.
One elderly lady said: "What a world, it just never gives up. It's shocking."
She added: "I only just got told this morning. If you can't walk around Cleckheaton, then I just don't know."
Another resident added: "It's just not shocking anymore, stuff like this keeps happening."
"A lot of kids hang around in the cemetery."
He claimed it is "used as a meeting point for drug deals and they do anything they don't want anyone else to see there".
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