THE close-knit community of Barnoldswick today expressed its shock as police continued to investigate a serious sex assault on two teenage girls.

Detectives were continuing to question two men arrested following claims by the 14-year-olds they had been assaulted in Letcliffe Country Park on Tuesday night.

Police were also due to question the teenagers further to get more details of the incident which happened at about 8.45pm.

Today Councillor Margaret Bell, who lives in Harrison Street in the town, said everyone was horrified at the allegations.

She said: "This is a very close knit community and everyone feels very safe here. You do not expect something like this to happen in Barnoldswick and everybody is just in shock at the moment, it's hard to believe."

Police sealed off the entrance to the remote park yesterday as detectives investigated the allegations.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We have had an allegation of sexual assault from two 14-year-old girls at about 8.45pm on Tuesday.

"They allege the assault had taken place in Letcliffe Park and two people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Inquiries are continuing and the two men are being questioned."

Police continue to appeal to anyone who has information about the incident to contact them on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.