Teenager held over sex attack on girl, 11

A teenager was being questioned by police today after an 11-year-old girl was seriously sexually assaulted in a park.

The 19-year-old man was arrested last night in connection with the attack in Llanbradach Park, near Caerphilly, south Wales, earlier in the day.

Police carried out house-to-house inquiries and stepped up patrols in the area after the assault, which happened near the village library at about midday.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne, who is leading the investigation for Gwent Police, described it as a "horrific incident".

He said: "The serious sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl is an extremely rare occurrence in Gwent.

"We have set up a dedicated team to investigate this incident.

"The area has been cordoned off, house-to-house inquiries are under way and local police patrols have been increased."

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area of the park between the hours of 8am and 2pm yesterday to come forward.

A description of the girl's attacker has also been issued.

He was wearing a black hooded top with a grey back, army-style trousers and brown shoes, and is thought to have had a bike, possibly a mountain bike or BMX.