Five arrested over rape of 12-year-old girl in Rotherham

Four suspects, aged 28 to 31, were held in Rotherham, while a fifth, aged 31, was arrested in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

They were all held on suspicion of rape, questioned by National Crime Agency investigators yesterday (Wednesday) and released on bail pending further enquiries.

The investigation — part of Operation Stovewood — relates to an alleged rape in the Rotherham area in 2007.

The operation, which is looking into historical child sex abuse, comprises 40 investigations with 260 identified suspects.

Senior investigating officer Philip Marshall said: “We continue to encourage all victims to come forward and speak to us in confidence.”

Visit www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/Stovewood for more information.