A teenager could face life in prison, after a 12-year-old girl was reported pregnant in Belfast.
The schoolgirl reportedly fell pregnant after having sex with a 19-year-old man, who was arrested after the girl’s family reported him to police.
If the man is found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with the girl, he could be charged with rape, which can carry a life sentence.
Children under the age of 12 are not legally able to consent to sex, meaning this would carry a charge of statutory rape.
A PSNI (Police Service of Norther Ireland) spokesman confirmed:
"Police arrested a 19 year old man in the West Belfast area on Thursday 1st October in relation to a sexual offence. The man has been released on police bail pending further enquiries."
Currently the UK’s youngest mother is from North London, and was 11 when she fell pregnant with her 13-year-old boyfriend.
The schoolgirl gave birth last year, aged just 12.