Teenager charged with attempted murder and rape of 10-year-old girl in Devon

Police warn public against identifying victim or accused on social media

A full police response has been launched for the attack with searches and a forensic examination of the scene (Rex Features)

A teenager has been charged with the attempted murder and rape of a 10-year-old girl, police said.

The 16-year-old will appear before Exeter Youth Court on Monday following the alleged attack on 4 October in Exmouth, Devon.

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 of the town.

Emergency services were contacted and a full police response was launched, including searches, speaking to people in the area and a forensic examination of the scene.

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 is automatically granted anonymity for life; regardless of their age and regardless of the outcome of any subsequent criminal trial," the statement said.

"Any suspect under the age of 18 is also by law not allowed to be identified.

"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.

"We therefore remind the public that it is vital that they do not speculate on the identity of either the victim or the suspect in this case."

Press Association