A 20-YEAR-OLD holidaymaker is believed to have been seriously sexually assaulted in an attack near a town centre nightclub in North Yorkshire.

The woman, who has not been identified, had been out with friends in Scarborough, police believe.

Part of St Thomas Street was cordoned off for several hours after the attack, which happened in the early hours of Saturday, near Boleyn's nightclub.

Chief Inspector Barry Honeysett, head of Scarborough CID, said the police were questioning the woman in the hope of building up a picture of her attacker.

They are appealing for anyone who may have seen her in a distressed state to contact police, on (01723) 500300.