A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with the alleged “serious sexual assault” near Ely Cathedral.

Ely Standard: Area around Ely Cathedral cordoned off. PHOTO: John ElworthyArea around Ely Cathedral cordoned off. PHOTO: John Elworthy (Image: Archant)

The incident happened yesterday morning (Monday, August 6) and the man was booked into custody that evening.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with a serious sexual assault near the cathedral in Ely.

“He is currently being booked into custody.”

A major investigation went under way in the city as police investigated what they describe as a “serious sexual assault” near the cathedral.

Ely Standard: Area around Ely Cathedral cordoned off as police investigate. PHOTO: John ElworthyArea around Ely Cathedral cordoned off as police investigate. PHOTO: John Elworthy (Image: Archant)

Onlookers were being turned away and police officers who cordoned off part of the grounds in the Steeple Row area.

The police spokesman confirmed that officers are “investigating to establish what happened.

“We were called at just gone 1am [on Monday, August 6] with reports of a serious sexual assault near the cathedral in Ely.”