POLICE have confirmed that no further action is set to be taken in a sexual assault investigation in Carlisle.

A 29-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of rape after a reported incident in Lowther Street in the city on Wednesday at about 4.40am.

But police confirmed that after speaking to the alleged victim, a man in his 40s, and following extensive enquiries including viewing CCTV, detectives found that no crimes were committed.

The man arrested has since been released without further action and the investigation has concluded.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicki Coombes, from the crime and safeguarding team, said: “We take all reports of sexual assault extremely seriously.

“Based on the information we received from a third party officers acted quickly to make an arrest.

“Extensive enquiries were conducted to establish the circumstances and with confirmation from the alleged victim later that day about what happened he confirmed no offences were committed against him, therefore we have closed the investigation.

“We would like to thank the public for their support during the investigation.”

A cordon was put in place in the area of Portland Place and English Gate Plaza North after the probe launched.

A Crime Scene Investigation van arrived on the scene.