DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a 40-year-old man was sexually assaulted.

He was attacked in the lane behind Hales Bar, in Crescent Road, Harrogate, between 11pm and midnight last Thursday.

The victim was wearing a dark, quilted jacket.

The man responsible was believed to have been in Hales Bar that evening. He was white, in his 40s and had a chubby face.

Police want to hear from anyone who was in Hales Bar or in the area at the time.

Detective Sergeant Mark Pearson said: "Sex assaults are very rare in a quiet town like Harrogate, which makes it all the more shocking and all the more important that we resolve this distressing matter as quickly as possible.

"There must have been people out and about in the town centre at this time and I want them to help us by reporting anything suspicious that they saw or heard late on Thursday night."

Extra officers are now patrolling the area.

A man has been arrested and released on bail in connection with the assault.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harrogate CID on (01423) 539334.