Second man charged in Carlisle Christmas Eve rape investigation

The victim continues to be cared for by specialist officers Credit: PA

A second man has been charged in connection with a report of rape in Carlisle city centre on Christmas Eve.

Marco Martins, 31, of Borland Avenue, Carlisle, has been charged with kidnap and sexual assault following a police appeal for information.

He will appear in North Cumbria Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday 27 December.

The first man to be charged, Kabir Hussain, from London, appeared in North Cumbria Magistrates' Court yesterday on three counts of rape.

He remains on remand until he appears at Carlisle Crown Court on 29 January 2018.

Two further males have also been arrested in connection with the incident:

  • A 37-year-old male from Blackburn, arrested on suspicion of rape, has been released on police bail whilst enquiries continue.

  • A 25-year-old male from Penrith, arrested on suspicion of rape, has been released under police investigation whilst enquiries continue.

The victim continues to be cared for by specialist officers.

Detective Sergeant Robert Ewin said:

Anyone with information should contact Carlisle CID on 101 quoting incident 73 of 24 December 2017.