A teenager has been charged with the attempted murder and rape of a 10-year-old girl following an alleged attack in Exmouth, Devon.
The incident is believed to have taken place on 4 October and the 16-year-old will appear at Exeter Youth Court on Monday.
The child was found near Marley Road in a distressed state by a member of the public, who took her to her home in the Brixington area.
Both the victim and suspect are not allowed to be identified for legal reasons.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police warned the public about identifying either the complainant or the accused.
“Anyone who is alleged to be a victim of a sexual crime are automatically granted anonymity for life; regardless of their age and regardless of the outcome of any subsequent criminal trial,” the statement said.
“These rules are not solely for media organisations to adhere to, they also apply to members of the public and include information posted via social media.”
“This may be seen as interfering with a live investigation and an active criminal trial, and therefore could see those who do not adhere found in contempt of court,” they warned. “This means that they would find themselves called before a judge and landed with a criminal record.”