A 16-YEAR-OLD girl walking her dog in a park was dragged into bushes and raped in broad daylight.

The attack happened in Buckingham Park, Shoreham.

Detectives last night arrested a 16-year-old boy and he was still helping with inquiries into the assault today.

The boy's parents today went to Brighton police station, where he is being held.

The girl is said to be unhurt but distressed by her ordeal.

She was on her regular dog-walking route at 3.30pm yesterday when the attacker pounced.

He ran from the scene afterwards and the attack victim went to her home, from where police were called.

Uniformed officers searched the park and surrounding areas.

After house-to-house inquiries, police called at an address in Shoreham where the boy was arrested.

The girl was later taken to a police victim suite and Det Sgt Bill Warner, heading the inquiry, said she was "distraught."

He added: "We are doing everything possible to minimise the devastating effect on her and her family.

"Her mother and father are very upset but they are being extremely supportive towards her."

He praised members of the public who assisted in the inquiry.

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