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Sex assault on girl, 11, in park Sex assault on girl, 11, in park
(about 10 hours later)
Police are investigating a serious sexual assault on an 11-year-old girl in a village park. Police are continuing to investigate a serious sexual assault on an 11-year-old girl in a village park.
The girl was attacked at around midday near the library in Llanbradach, near Caerphilly, on Monday.The girl was attacked at around midday near the library in Llanbradach, near Caerphilly, on Monday.
Gwent Police said the area had been cordoned off and house-to-house inquiries were under way. Local police patrols have been increased.Gwent Police said the area had been cordoned off and house-to-house inquiries were under way. Local police patrols have been increased.
Police said a 19-year-old man from Pontypridd has been arrested and was being questioned.Police said a 19-year-old man from Pontypridd has been arrested and was being questioned.
Det Supt Geoff Ronayne, who is leading the investigation, said: "The young girl and her family are currently being supported by specialist officers. The girl had been to a friend's house but there was no answer, so she was returning home when she was attacked from behind, officers believe.
"We are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Llanbradach Park between the hours of 8am and 2pm, on Monday 4th January, to come forward as they could hold vital information that could assist our investigation." It is understood the attacker was disturbed by a woman walking her dog.
He added: "The serious sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl is an extremely rare occurrence in Gwent. Police made an early appeal to the public for information to help with their investigation.
"We have set up a dedicated team to investigate this incident. Det Supt Geoff Ronayne, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have had a tremendous response from the public so far.
"The area has been cordoned off, house to house inquiries are under way and local police patrols have been increased." "However we have not had many people contact us who had actually been in the park during the period of 8am to 2pm on Monday, 4 January.
A description of the girl's attacker has been issued by police. He was wearing a black hooded top with a grey back, army-style trousers and brown shoes. The serious sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl is an extremely rare occurrence Det Supt Geoff Ronayne
He is thought to have had a bike, possibly a mountain bike or BMX. "It's a busy area that's used as a shortcut get to other areas of Llanbradach and frequented by dog walkers.
"If you were in the area at those times, saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the park in the last few weeks or recognise the description of the offender that we have released, please contact us.
"We are looking at CCTV and forensic specialists are examining the scene. Police officers and community safety wardens are continuing to carry out high-visibility police patrols.
"The serious sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl is an extremely rare occurrence in [the Gwent Police area] and it's members of the public who can help us solve this crime - they will know this individual so I'm urging anyone with information to come forward."
"The young girl and her family are currently being supported by specialist officers.
The girl's attacker was described by police as wearing a black hooded top with a grey back, army-style trousers and brown shoes.
He is thought to have had a black bike, possibly a mountain bike or BMX.
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to ring 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to ring 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.