A vicar has called on a community rocked by an alleged rape of a young girl to refrain from sensationalising and speculating.

The Reverend Matthew Pollard from St Matthew’s Church in Rastrick said it was important people let the police investigate the claims fully.

Five schoolboys aged 12 and 13 were arrested and have since been released on police bail after the alleged rape was claimed to have happened last week in the Field Lane area.

The Rev Pollard said: “People will be worried but they must not sensationalise or speculate about what has happened. The police will deal with it and we will be praying for everyone at this time.”

Specialist support is now being offered by Calderdale Council to pupils in local schools after the allegations.

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.