UPDATE - Appeal for witnesses following rape in Bedworth

Please see update below in bold.

Police have begun an investigation and are appealing for witnesses following a report of a rape in Bedworth on Saturday (19 March).

A teenage girl was sitting with a group on the grass at the bottom of Walter Scott Road where it meets Coalpit Fields Road between 6.45pm and 7.15pm when they were approached by another group.

A boy from the group - believed to be in his mid to late teens - is reported to have taken the girl away from the group before sexually assaulting her.

Officers attended the scene and the area has been cordoned off as part of ongoing enquiries.

The girl is being supported by specially trained officers while patrols have also been increased in the area.

This morning (Monday) a 14-year-old boy from Hinckley has been arrested on suspicion of rape. He has been bailed until next month.

Detective Inspector Collette O'Keefe said: “We understand this incident is likely to cause concern among the local community but we would like to reassure them a full and thorough investigation has begun.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries and pursuing a number of lines of enquiry as part of our ongoing work.

“Specially trained officers are providing support to the victim at this time and we have cordoned off an area at the bottom of Walter Scott Road where it meets the junction of Coalpit Fields Road as we conduct initial enquiries.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days while we look to establish exactly what happened.

“We would encourage anyone who was in the area between 6.45pm and 7.15pm on Saturday, who witnessed the incident or can help with our ongoing enquiries to get in touch.

“Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be important so please contact us if you think you may be able to assist.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw anyone acting suspiciously or was in the area at the time should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting incident 415 of 19 March.

Issued: Laura Maltby, Corporate Communications

Update: 1pm, Monday 21 March, Laura Maltby, Corporate Communications