DETECTIVES investigating an alleged serious sexual assault in a Kendal yard have charged a 29-year-old man.

Lee James Goldsworthy, 29, of Silverdale Drive, Kendal has been charged with rape in connection with a serious sexual offence that occurred on March 9.

He also faces charges of sexual assault and exposure, that relate to a separate alleged incident that occurred in Kendal on January 26, 2013.

The most recent incident is believed to have taken place in the vicinity of Angel Yard.

Witnesses reported seeing a police cordon around the yard on Wednesday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Qazi said: “A team of detectives is working on this enquiry and we are now turning to the public for help.

“It is alleged that a serious sexual assault occurred in Kendal town centre on Saturday afternoon in a yard leading from Highgate.

“Were you shopping in Kendal on Saturday afternoon or making your way home from work?

“Do you remember seeing a man and woman together in a yard off Highgate?

“Did you hear or see something suspicious?"

He said he believed there could have been someone in the area who might have heard or seen something.

He added: “We are asking the public to think back to Saturday afternoon and come forward with information."