Detectives investigating a report of a rape of an 11-year-old girl on Portland have arrested a second man.
It was reported that the victim was with her 14-year-old friend when she met a male cyclist in the area of Easton Square at around 3am on Saturday 31 August 2019.
The two girls and the cyclist then walked onto Park Road, past the Tesco supermarket and down a track to an old stone windmill next to the stone quarries to the south of Easton, where the offence is reported to have occurred.
On the evening of Saturday 7 September 2019 detectives arrested a 22-year-old local man on suspicion of rape. He is assisting officers with their enquiries.
An 18-year-old local man who was arrested on Sunday 1 September 2019 on suspicion of rape will face no further police action.
Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Dorset Police, said: “I am satisfied as a result of our enquiries that the 18-year-old man who was arrested is not connected to this offence.
“Following a detailed and extensive investigation officers arrested a 22-year-old man on the evening of Saturday 7 September 2019.
“We have updated the victim and her family with this development and she continues to be supported by specially-trained officers.
“I would urge members of the public to refrain from speculation in relation to this incident, particularly on social media, as it could impact the ongoing investigation.
“Our investigation continues and I would like to reiterate our appeal for anyone who saw two girls with a male cyclist in the Easton area in the early hours of Saturday 31 August 2019, or who has any information that may assist our investigation, to please come forward.
“Again, I recognise this incident will have caused concern for the local community and our officers can be approached by anyone with concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190136930. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
