A teenager was arrested after a six-year-old girl was allegedly lured from a playground and sexually assaulted

The teenager was with her family at Bournville’s Rowheath Park when she was “momentarily lured” into a nearby wooded area around noon Saturday. The teen remains in custody for questioning.

A teenager was arrested after a six-year-old girl was allegedly lured from a playground and sexually assaulted

The victim told her mother about the alleged sexual assault as they were walking home from the playground. Police issued an urgent appeal to try to find the suspect, BirminghamLive reports.

Hours later, they shared an update saying a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in Birmingham. He remained in custody for questioning this afternoon.

The update from West Midlands Police read, “A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. We have today called for assistance after a girl reported a sexual assault in Rowheath Park, Birmingham, at around midday yesterday (18 September).

“The six-year-old girl was with her family in the park when she was momentarily lured into a nearby wooded area. The girl was detained earlier in Birmingham and is in our custody for questioning.”

“Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to support the girl and her family. They have, of course, been kept up to date with this development.”

Police said they have deployed additional officers to the area to speak to local residents and park visitors to offer reassurance amid the investigation.

Detective Inspector Matt Stone, of the public protection unit, has urged people not to make comments speculating about the circumstances of the incident.

He said, “This arrest is a significant development as our investigation continues apace. I continue to urge anyone with any information, who has not yet contacted us, to do so as soon as possible.”