Specialist support is being offered to primary school pupils after allegations a young girl was raped by five schoolboys.

Calderdale Council said it is giving support to schools in Rastrick, near Brighouse, following the arrest of the boys, aged 12 and 13.

The boys, who were arrested on suspicion of rape, said to have taken place on the Field Lane estate, have all since been released on police bail while investigations into the claim continue.

It is believed the alleged incident happened last week but only became known to the public yesterday, shocking the close-knit community of Rastrick.

West Yorkshire Police press office has not revealed the exact location of the alleged incident, when it happened or the age of the alleged victim.

But Rastrick councillor Ann McAllister (Con) described the Field Lane estate as “nice” and home to “a lot of hard-working, good people”.

Meanwhile, local methodist minister Steven Barnett, from nearby St Matthew's Church, said it was a tightly-bound community which had its share of “social problems”.

Coun McAllister said: “The ward councillors are aware of the alleged incident and that it is being investigated. We are taking the view that it is a police matter so it would be wrong for us to make comment.

“Field Lane is a nice estate. There are a lot of good, hard-working people who live there and we are working very hard with council services and the police to make sure if anyone is feeling vulnerable or unsafe they can get in touch and talk.”

The Rev Barnett said the church door was also open if people needed to talk.

“The opportunity is there if people need to talk. We are here to help if we possibly can.

“Some people will value that, for others the time might not be right.

“There is a strong sense of community spirit around Field Lane and in Rastrick but it may be rocked by this.”

A police spokesman said: “Police are investigating reports of a rape allegation made by a young girl against five boys aged 12 and 13 years old in Calderdale.

“All five suspects were arrested and have since been released on bail as enquiries continue.”

A spokesman for Calderdale Council said its child safeguarding unit was involved and the Council was working with police.

“We are supporting Field Lane Primary School as well as Rastrick and other schools in the area,” he said.