This is Leicestershire --
Five men arrested by police investigating the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl were being interviewed by officers last night.
The men, aged 20, 22, 25, 27 and 39, were arrested on Saturday morning at different addresses in Leicester after, police said, "the investigation moved into the enforcement stage".
A 15-year-old youth arrested at the same time as the men has been released on bail, pending further inquiries.
Police said the investigation was launched after the girl's family raised concerns about her welfare.
They added that officers had been working with the victim since then, which resulted in the arrests on Saturday morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Sharp said: "We continue to work very closely with the victim and her family. She is being supported through the whole process by specialist officers.
"These kinds of investigations are extremely complex and it's important we are thorough with all our inquiries.
"Every piece of information or evidence needs to be looked at in detail and this means it could well be a lengthy investigation.
"The victim and her welfare is a key priority for us," said the officer.
"We will continue to work with her, at a pace she is comfortable with, in order to support her through this process."
The force said officers were continuing to "link in with residents and community leaders, who are supportive of the police investigations".
Officers are providing the community with daily updates and reassurance around various rumours and speculation, the force added.
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Reported by This is 17 hours ago.
Five men arrested by police investigating the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl were being interviewed by officers last night.
The men, aged 20, 22, 25, 27 and 39, were arrested on Saturday morning at different addresses in Leicester after, police said, "the investigation moved into the enforcement stage".
A 15-year-old youth arrested at the same time as the men has been released on bail, pending further inquiries.
Police said the investigation was launched after the girl's family raised concerns about her welfare.
They added that officers had been working with the victim since then, which resulted in the arrests on Saturday morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Sharp said: "We continue to work very closely with the victim and her family. She is being supported through the whole process by specialist officers.
"These kinds of investigations are extremely complex and it's important we are thorough with all our inquiries.
"Every piece of information or evidence needs to be looked at in detail and this means it could well be a lengthy investigation.
"The victim and her welfare is a key priority for us," said the officer.
"We will continue to work with her, at a pace she is comfortable with, in order to support her through this process."
The force said officers were continuing to "link in with residents and community leaders, who are supportive of the police investigations".
Officers are providing the community with daily updates and reassurance around various rumours and speculation, the force added.
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Reported by This is 17 hours ago.