Police are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempting to rape a little boy, aged eight.
The boy, was apprehended by police after they were alerted to the alleged incident in Gorton, Greater Manchester, at 10pm on 26 June.
Specially trained officers have launched an investigation and are believed to have spoken to the pre-teen regarding the allegations.
The attack is believed to have taken place sometime between 3:30pm and 9:20pm. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been released on bail pending further investigations.
The force overseeing the enquiries released a statement to try and reassure parents in the area. However, they are asking for anyone who witnessed the attack who saw the two boys to come forward.
“I understand that this incident will cause a lot of anxiety and distress in the local community and there may well be lots of speculation about what happened, Detective Inspector Carol Hobson said.
“Although I cannot go into any details about what happened, I do want to stress this was not a random stranger attack and there is no reason for any parents living in this area to be fearful.
“Clearly, given the ages of all those involved, this will be a very sensitive and delicate investigation and I would ask that the local community allow our officers to carry out those inquiries, not speculate on social media and if you have any information or concerns, then please approach us.”
She added: “We are continuing to offer support to the young boy and his family and we are working alongside a number of different partner agencies with regard to safeguarding measures and ensuring everyone involved has access to the appropriate help and advice.”