POLICE are investigating a serious sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl at Bolton Abbey.

The attack happened after the teenager and two 14-year-old friends were picked up by three men in a Y-registered red Clio in Silsden late Monday afternoon.

The car was driven to Bolton Abbey and was parked in the car park near Cavendish Pavilion.

The victim was assaulted as she walked across the fields with one of the men.

"Whilst we believe this was an isolated incident we are treating it seriously and it is obviously of concern that something of this nature could happen in broad daylight in a popular area," said Acting Det Insp Pat Twiggs.

Now the police want to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

In particular, they want to speak to an elderly couple in a gold Toyota that was parked near the Clio and a lady who may have passed the couple in the field without realising anything untoward was happening

The blonde-haired victim was wearing a white skirt and white top while her alleged assailant had dark trousers and was bare-chested. He has short hair, is in his early 20s and has tattoos on his chest and body.

After the attack, he got back into the Clio drove off with the other two men, leaving the girls behind.

"The victim is very traumatised," said Mr Twiggs. "However I want to assure the public that Bolton Abbey is still a safe place to go."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Skipton Police on 01756 793377 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.