In 2026, North Yorkshire Police detectives launched a priority investigation and appealed for public assistance following a sexual assault committed in York city centre.
At approximately 9:15 PM on Wednesday 30 September 2026, police received a report that a sexual offence had occurred earlier that evening at around 7:00 PM within the city centre. Responding officers established an initial forensic cordon outside the Fenwick department store as immediate inquiries commenced. As the investigation progressed, detectives noted that the victim was unable to recall the precise physical location where the assault occurred, prompting widespread inquiries across the wider retail and commercial district.
Specially trained safeguarding officers are providing continuous support to the victim while detectives audit public and commercial CCTV systems to establish the full sequence of events.
As part of the inquiry, police are urgently seeking to identify and trace a specific individual seen in York city centre around the time of the offence. The man is described as white and was wearing a distinctive pink T-shirt featuring a black circular logo on the front. Detectives believe he may possess vital information that could assist in clarifying the investigation.
Senior Investigating Officer Matt Wilkinson of North Yorkshire Police stated:
“The victim is being supported by specially trained officers while our investigation continues. We understand that an incident of this nature will understandably cause concern within the local community. I want to reassure people that we are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened. As part of those enquiries, we are particularly keen to identify the man described above who was in the area around the time of the incident. We believe he may have important information which could assist our investigation, and I would urge him to come forward and speak to us. I would also urge anyone who was in York city centre at around 7pm yesterday evening and saw or heard anything that could assist our investigation to contact us. Even if you think the information you have is insignificant, please get in touch. It could prove important to our enquiries.”
Detectives are encouraging city centre shoppers, retail staff, and evening visitors who were in the vicinity of York city centre around 7:00 PM on 30 September to review mobile footage or report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police by dialling 101 and quoting reference number 12260192537.
Anonymous reports can also be submitted through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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