Police have confirmed they are investigating a suspected sexual assault.

It was reported to police at about 7am on Sunday morning and is believed to have happened near Appleby.

Cumbria Police was made aware via a third-party of a woman on Bridge Street, near Lawrence’s Church, who was in distress.

The member of the public who made officers aware was concerned that she may have been a victim of a sexual assault in a field on the northern outskirts of the town.

The woman, who was in her twenties and from outside of the county, left area by ambulance.

Cumbria Police responded swiftly and closed off access to the grounds of the church – this being where the woman was located rather than where any alleged offence had been committed – while enquiries took place.

Detectives from the North Crime and Safeguarding Team are engaging with the woman to establish the full details of any incident and provide support.

Superintendent Matt Kennerley said: “Any suggestion of a sexual offence having taken place is taken extremely seriously, which is why the grounds of the church, where the woman was originally located, were closed off for much of yesterday, allowing officers to carry out extensive enquiries.”