VILLAGERS at Bromham near Devizes are reeling at the news that police are investigating the sexual assault of a young girl last Friday evening.

The first residents knew of the incident was when scenes-of-crime officers sealed off part of the Pound Field, from where the carnival congregates each year and is used as a recreation area for the village.

A spokesman for Wiltshire police said yesterday: "We can confirm that they are investigating reports of an incident at Bromham during the evening of Friday September 15 involving a number of young people in which a young girl was assaulted.

"Several people would have been aware of the incident .

"Anyone who has not already been spoken to by police or who has not given their details should contact 0845 408 7000 and speak to PC Jo Northway.

"It is not appropriate to release any further information at this time which would be likely to lead to the identification of any of the young people involved."