Parents are afraid to let their children play outside after a ten-year-old girl was violently attacked in a quiet residential area.

Forensic experts attended the scene in Exmouth, East Devon, following an incident police have described as 'shocking' and 'extreme' attack on a young child.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and the force said magistrates in Exeter had granted an application to hold the suspect for further questioning until 5am on Monday.

A member of the public found the child in a distressed state and took her home where emergency services were called

A member of the public found the child in a distressed state and took her home where emergency services were called.

She was later taken to hospital, where she remained last night.

Police said the girl 'remains in the care of her family and health experts', supported by officers from the force's public protection unit.

Superintendent Matt Lawler, the local policing commander for Exeter, East and Mid Devon, said: 'This investigation is being progressed at full pace, with teams from across the force pulling together to establish the facts of what has occurred.

'The complexity, extensive range of our lines of enquiry, and the need to be diligent and thorough, means that we need this further time.

'The victim remains in the care of her family and health experts, together with specially trained officers who have now been able to speak to her about what happened.'

The young girl was later taken to hospital, where she remained receiving treatment last night

Officers also warned local people not to publish rumours about the attack on social media.

Cordons were still in place last night around a wooded area close to where the girl was found after police forensic experts had spent the day searching for evidence.

Residents in the Marley Road area of Brixington where the girl was found have spoken of their shock.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'It's quite scary to think that something like this could happen.

'It is just too close to home. My son is six and it's horrible to think that someone could do that to a 10-year-old girl. I won't be letting my son out of the house.'

Police forensics on the scene in Exmouth hunting for clues after the schoolgirl was violently attacked

Dawn Hines said she was out walking her dog when the incident allegedly took place.

She said: 'I have three children and two grandchildren and it's sickening to think something like this could happen here.

'I have lived here for 25 years and it's such a lovely quiet area. I was out walking my dog yesterday afternoon and I could have passed by anyone.

'You just can't imagine something like this to happen. It has left an eerie atmosphere in the area and it's shaken the community.'

Resident Tracie Mitchell, who has a five-year-old daughter, added: 'There's such an eerie feel this afternoon.

'I was in yesterday and it's scary because I live so closely and I didn't hear a thing and I wish I did so I could have helped the poor girl.'

Superintendent Lawler described the attack as a 'shocking event given it is so extreme and rare', adding that the force is 'putting significant resources to this investigation'.

He thanked those members of the public who had come forward with information but re-appealed for anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the local area on Thursday afternoon to get in touch.

'I would like to thank the public for their messages of support to the young girl and her family, for the feedback and support we have had to officers on patrol and at cordons, and for the information we have had so far,' he said.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder after the youngster was attacked near a wooded area

'Our appeal for information on Friday led to the arrest that has been made, however, it is vitally important that anyone who has yet to speak to us and who may have information, dashcam or CCTV footage, comes forward.

'If you were in the immediate area of Marley Road on Thursday afternoon, or may have seen anything suspicious in that area in the past few days, no matter how insignificant, please tell us.'

He earlier stressed that 'this is still very much a live and active police investigation and we are keeping an open mind, which is why it is essential that anyone with information that can assist us, comes forward'.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, added: 'It's horrific to know that our kids play in this area all the time and the fact it happened in broad daylight is so frightening.

A 10-year-old girl was found in a distressed state after being attacked near Marley Road, Exmouth

'I was home all afternoon and I heard nothing at all. It has shocked us all.'

One resident, who gave her name as just Lucy, added: 'Most of us can't believe it's happened and right on our doorstep as well.

'Usually our kids would be out playing tonight, but they're not because of this.'

Yesterday Superintendent Lawler warned residents not to post rumours about the incident online as it was causing distress to the victim's family.

He added: 'Given the complexity and sensitivity in supporting the child, the full details of what has happened may take a little while to become clear.

'That said, this a very proactive and thorough ongoing investigation and will involve searches of the scene and local area, house to house and CCTV inquiries, and further detailed forensic work.

'I would ask everyone to try to remain calm and allow the investigation to take place. For example, it is not helpful to spread rumour or speculation on social media, as this may lead to further upset for others, including the family.'