Two men have been arrested on suspicion of rape, false imprisonment and kidnap of a teenage boy as part of an ongoing investigation.

The investigation is into a reported assault on the teen, who is under 16, in the area of Coombs Wood, Armathwaite, on Sunday, October 9.

The two men, aged 31 and 46, both from Carlisle, have been arrested.

The teenager is being supported by specialist officers, and the men have been released on police bail with multiple bail conditions.

An appeal for information continues, and officers would like to speak to anyone who was in Coombs Wood between 11am and 3:30pm on Sunday, October 9.

Detectives would especially like to identify a dark-coloured Ford Fiesta, made in the mid-2000s.

Anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle on October 9 in the area of Coombs Wood, Armathwaite, Ainstable or Kirkoswold areas is asked to get in touch.

It is believed there were two occupants of the vehicle, a black male and a white male, both believed to be aged 20 – 30.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who was driving in the area at the time who has dashcam footage available.

Senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector John Graham-Cumming said: “This is a complex investigation that is being managed by a specialist team of dedicated detectives.
"The investigation has been fast paced and a vast number of lines of enquiry have been conducted, including the recent arrests.

"We appreciate the impact the investigation has had on the victim, their family and the local community.

"We would like to thank them for their ongoing support as our enquiries continue.

"The community will have noticed an increased policing presence in the area due to the progression of the investigation and providing reassurance.

"Our detectives and officers are progressing this investigation.

"There is no perceived threat to the wider public.

"We thank everyone who has contacted us to date with information to support our enquiries.

"We [are] continuing to appeal for witnesses and information as our enquiries continue to understand the full circumstances of the incident.”

To support the investigation, a 'major incident public portal' has been set up. T

his dedicated portal allows the public to report information easily to one location.

Anyone with information is asked to report it via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/9901020317N51-PO1.

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