FEARS that a sex attacker was at large in North Yorkshire have been dismissed by police.

Officers had warned parents and women to be on their guard in Malton and Norton following two reports of sexual assaults on 14 and 15-year-old girls on Friday, November 7.

But it was later discovered that the allegations made by the 15-year-old were false.

The original report made by the 14-year-old said she was the victim of a serious assault in Norton library car park, leading police to believe that it was a predatory-type attack.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Inquiries have now revealed that, in fact, the victim had been in company with the offender that evening, prior to the alleged offence.

"As a consequence, the concern that a predatory sex attacker is at large in the Norton and Malton area no longer exists."

Investigations have continued into the second allegation.

A man was arrested in connection with both incidents and released on police bail. He has now been eliminated from the Inquiries.