Four teenage youths have been arrested after a 14-year-old schoolgirl was raped, writes David Horne.

They were questioned by detectives investigating the "shocking" attack on the terrified youngster after she was cornered by a group of five young men.

The girl was held down by four of them while the fifth raped her, police said. The attack left the girl so stunned she was unable to say anything about it for two days.

The four youths who were questioned have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The attack happened as the girl was walking in the grounds of Chipping Norton secondary school near the Fox Close bungalows, about 100yd from the town's public swimming pool, which was busy on a hot day.

Det Sgt Simon Morton, head of West Oxfordshire CID, said today: "This is a shocking crime. The girl ran off and was so terrified that it was two days before she revealed what happened to anybody. She is now at home with her parents and, understandably, is still very shocked. We are offering her and her family all the extra support they need."

Police believe that somebody going to or from the pool may have seen what appeared to be a disturbance, and which was, in fact, the attack on the girl.

Det Sgt Morton added: "I know local people will want this solved as soon as possible. I am appealing for anybody with information."

He can be contacted on 01993 703832. Anonymous information can be given through the police Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.