AYOUTH and four men were arrested after a teenage girl was allegedly attacked in Ardleigh.

A police spokesman said: “Police arrested five males on suspicion of sexual offences after attending Green Lane, in Ardleigh, on Sunday.

“It followed reports a teenage girl had been seen in a distressed state in the road.”

Officers spoke to the alleged victim and another girl before making the arrests.

The spokesman added: “A 17-year-old from Krakow, Poland, was taken to Colchester police station for questioning.

“The four men were taken to Clacton police station.

“They were a 28-year-old, of no fixed address, a 33-year-old , of no fixed address, a 36-year-old from Pontyclun, in Wales, and a 27-year-old from Poland.”

Tim Barrott, chairman of the parish council, said incidents such as the one reported were a real concern and very unusual for the village.

He said: “It’s not the sort of thing we would expect in Ardleigh.

“It’s a very unfortunate incident.

“I’m glad it’s being publicised so people are aware.

“It’s just a bit alarming that in such a small, close-knit community no one seems to know anything about it.”

The five arrested were released until November pending further enquiries.