A woman has allegedly been raped in a seaside town park. Cumbria Police has arrested a 44-year-old suspected to have launched the attack in Castle Park, Whitehaven between 1.25am and 2.30am on Sunday. 

The scene of the alleged assault in Castle Park has been cordoned off by police as detectives continue their investigation. Anyone who typically walks through the area has been urged to avoid it while police patrol the park. 

Cumbria Police says specialist officers are supporting the victim while the suspect remains in custody.

A spokesperson for the Cumbria Police said: "Detectives have made an arrest as part of an investigation into a report of rape in Castle Park, Whitehaven in the early hours of Sunday morning (17 August).

"A 44-year-old man from Whitehaven was arrested on suspicion of rape. He remains in police custody. Police received the report at 2:32am, with the incident believed to have occurred between 1:25am and 2:30am. Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information during that time.

"You can report information online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it  quoting incident number 36 of 17 August 2025. You can also phone on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."