Three schoolboys aged 13, 14 and 15 have been charged with the rape of a young girl.
The boys are each charged with three counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16 in a supermarket car park.
The three of them were arrested in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, on February 10 last year.
At the time of the arrest, the youngest boy was aged 12.
Four boys were initially arrested and held in custody last year but the fourth boy was released without charge.
The three boys will appear at Manchester Youth Court on Monday.
Detective Superintendent Phil Key said: ‘This investigation has seen extensive and thorough work reviewing all available evidence in this case.
‘We are now in a position to charge three boys following the incident last year.
‘We continue to provide support to the victim and her wellbeing has been a priority for us over the last 12 months.
‘I would remind the public not to speculate on names of those they believe to be involved, as those under 18 have a legal right to anonymity and in speculating over names, this poses a risk to justice, and criminal proceedings can and may be brought against those naming.’
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