Boy, 16, held on suspicion of attempted murder

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder a 10-year-old girl, police said yesterday.

The girl was reported to have been attacked in Exmouth, Devon, on Thursday afternoon.

She was found in a distressed state by a member of the public, who took her to her home in the Brixington area of the town. She was being treated in hospital last night.

Superintendent Matt Lawler, the local policing commander, said: “A member of the public has come forward with information that has then led to an arrest.

“We have arrested a 16-year-old male from the local area on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody and awaits questioning.”