Teen Arrested Over Attack On Girl, Aged 10

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with an alleged attack on a 10-year-old girl who went missing for more than two hours in Stockton-on-Tees.

The girl suffered "serious but non-life threatening injuries" during the incident on Saturday, Cleveland Police said.

She was taken to a specialist paediatric unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where she is being examined.

"Initial inquiries suggest she had been the victim of a serious assault," a spokeswoman added.

The girl was reported missing from her home at 6.30pm on Saturday and was found by a member of the public on Maritime Way, Stockton at 9pm.

The girl is 4ft tall and has brown hair. She was wearing black leggings and a chequered top, with a brown, furry body-warmer when she disappeared.

"Police would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw a girl matching this description either alone or with someone else between 5pm and 9pm yesterday evening," the force spokeswoman said.

"Police are asking the local community to work with them and remain calm."

Anyone wishing to offer any information which may prove useful to the enquiry are asked to get in touch with either the incident room on 01642 302390 or 302388 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.