A 12-year-old girl has been reunited with her family after she was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted in the South Wales village of Treherbert, Rhondda. Police arrested a 35-year-old man from Lancashire following the incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and possession of a knife in a public place. South Wales Police confirmed that officers responded to reports of a kidnapping from the Treherbert area.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "South Wales Police was called on Tuesday afternoon to reports of a 12-year-old girl being kidnapped from the Treherbert area. A 35-year-old man from Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and possession of a knife in a public place and remains in police custody."
Community Impact
Treherbert is a former mining village situated at the head of the Rhondda Fawr valley in South Wales. The incident has shocked the local community, which is typically quiet and close-knit.
Police also moved to reassure the public after rumours circulated about a second child allegedly being abducted. Officers investigated those reports and confirmed they were incorrect. The 12-year-old girl involved is now safe with her family.
