TWO councillors have called a sex attack in a cemetery a "shocking" and "distressing" incident.

A cordon was in place at Whitcliffe Cemetery, on Whitcliffe Road in Cleckheaton, while the scene was forensically examined.

West Yorkshire Police said the force received a report of the incident at 7.24pm on Thursday.

Councillor Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: “It is a shocking offence to have occurred in our peaceful town where people feel safe.

“It’s a traumatic invasion of privacy and horrible thing to happen.

“No individual should be subjected to a sexual attack of that nature.”

Councillor John Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: “It’s very distressing that this has happened in that spot, and I urge anyone who has information to contact police straight away.

“It’s so upsetting that somewhere could get attacked in that area, and it’s always upsetting for it to happen so close to home.”

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.

The full police statement, issued on Friday morning, said: "Detectives are investigating a serious sexual offence on a 19-year-old in Kirklees.

"At 7.24pm yesterday evening (December 7) 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 spoke 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". 

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.