Darwen in shock after boy raped

10:59am Friday 16th May 2008

COMMUNITY leaders have spoken of their shock following the rape of a 12-year-old boy in Darwen.

Coun Christopher Thayne, representative of the area, said: "It is a horrific assault but there is no record of this sort of thing in the Marsh House area.

"It is an isolated and unusual occurrence.

"It is a terrible event and it is natural for parents to be very concerned about the welfare of their children.

"But this is abnormal and young people must not think of themselves as being vulnerable.

"Perhaps we need to address how we approach strangers."

East Rural councillor Julie Slater, who lives near the field and walks her dog there, said: "To know this can happen in our community is terrifying. It will get to the point where parents will not want to let their children out.

"My heart goes out to the boy and his family, and I hope that they get all the help they need."

Coun Roy Davies, from the Sudell ward of Darwen, said: "It's absolutely terrible.

"I've got an 11-year-old lad myself and it's terrifying to think it can happen in this area. Every parent must feel the same as me.

"The child has my sympathy.

"People don't think it can happen in their area and it does."

Latest blogs and columns