Police appeal for information after teenage girl was led away from friends and raped

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was led away from a group of friends then raped.

The girl was sitting with a group of friends on a grass patch in Bedworth, Warwickshire, 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.

Warwickshire Police said it had launched an investigation after the reported rape, which took place between 6.45pm and 7.15pm on Saturday (19 March).

The area where the girl was sitting, at the bottom of Walter Scott Road where it meets Coalpit Fields Road, has been cordoned off as the force carries out initial enquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch as the investigation gets underway.

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

Detective Inspector Collette O'Keefe, from Warwickshire Police, 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.

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"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 is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 415 of 19 March.