A TEENAGE boy has been arrested following an alleged rape by a footpath.

The boy, who lives locally, was arrested on suspicion of rape this morning.

The attack happened at about 11.30pm on Tuesday night in bushes off the Wivenhoe Trail.

A schoolgirl and a friend had gone to an end of term unofficial school party at White House beach, about a mile from the beginning of the trail near Ford Lane, Alresford.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “She left alone to walk back to Wivenhoe.

“While on the footpath she was approached by a man who forced her into bushes and raped her.

“He ran off when a number of young men heard the girl’s screams for help.”

The secluded path runs alongside the River Colne but is obscured by trees and bushes on both sides, only opening up at set points for views over the river.

The area was cordoned off.

Forensic teams and detectives visited the site to gather information and evidence.

The teenage victim, whose age has not been revealed, has been speaking with specialist officers at Essex Police’s sexual assault referral centre.

The suspect, whose age has not been revealed, is being interviewed by detectives from the Essex Police Sexual Offences Investigation Team.