A girl of 13 is said to have been raped and a second, aged eight, indecently assaulted in separate alleged incidents at Flamingo Land theme park, police said today.

Detective Constable Garry Ridler, of Malton police station, today confirmed that North Yorkshire police were investigating the alleged crimes at the zoo and theme park at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering.

Police spokesman Inspector Ron Johnson told the Evening Press the alleged rape was reported to them on August 3.

"A 17-year-old youth was detained and arrested at the time and is currently on police bail pending further inquiries," he said.

"In relation to the second incident, that one is very sensitive and difficult.

"Yes, we are investigating an alleged offence of a sexual nature involving an eight-year-old, also at Flamingo Land, on Thursday, August 19.

"We are not actively looking for anyone in connection with that one."

Gordon Gibb, one of Flamingo Land's directors, said: "These incidents happen in any small town or village and you have to bear in mind the volume of people that come here."

He explained how security staff at the theme park were responsible for apprehending the suspects when the unconnected incidents allegedly took place.

Mr Gibb said security staff saw the alleged rape incident at the lakeside in the park and took a male into custody before contacting the police.

In an unrelated incident on Thursday, August 19, Mr Gibb said the person operating the photography sales point on the log flume noticed something untoward in one of the photographs.

This was pointed out to security staff, who apprehended a man for alleged indecent assault involving an eight-year-old girl.

More than a million people a year visit Flamingo Land, making it one of the top 12 attractions in the country.

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