Arrest made for Turangi child assault

Police investigating the serious assault of a five-year-old tourist in Turangi have today arrested a 16-year-old youth.

The young girl was attacked on the night of Wednesday, 21 December in a caravan at Club Habitat Holiday Park in Turangi, sustaining significant injuries to her head and body.

A detailed examination of the crime scene was carried out over three days and a team of between 20 and 30 police staff have been working on the investigation since the attack.

As a result of this work Police became interested in a 16-year-old youth from Turangi and negotiated his attendance at Turangi Police Station this afternoon. He has subsequently been charged with sexual violation, aggravated wounding and burglary.

He will appear in the Taupo Youth Court at 2pm tomorrow (Thursday, 29 December).

The family of the little girl have been advised of the arrest. They are overwhelmed and relieved by news that someone has been charged, but their priority remains the health and wellbeing of their daughter. They wish to maintain their anonymity and privacy and intend to continue their holiday in New Zealand. They have also expressed their thanks for the overwhelming support of the Police, Waikato Hospital staff and Victim Support.

The Bay of Plenty Police Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Mark Loper said: "I am extremely pleased for the family of this little girl and for the good community of Turangi that we have been able to make an arrest within a week of the incident.

"This case has really touched the hearts of so many people in New Zealand and staff from the Police and ESR have worked with dogged determination to bring about an early resolution. That has included giving up precious family time over Christmas for which I must sincerely thank the staff and their families.

"I also want to extend my thanks to the good people of Turangi who have given us tremendous support, rallying around the family and the Police."

© Scoop Media