Two 14-year-old boys from Weymouth have been arrested on suspicion of raping a 12-year-old girl in a field near The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester. The incident, reported to Dorset Police at 7:45 PM on Sunday, May 18, has shocked the local community and prompted a high-level investigation into youth safety and sexual violence.
Incident Overview
Police were called to a field near the secondary school following reports of a serious sexual assault. Authorities confirmed the girl met the boys earlier in the day. While further details remain limited due to the age of those involved, both suspects were arrested, questioned, and released on police bail pending further investigation.
Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Goom reassured locals:
“We understand the community’s concern. The ongoing police presence is standard for an investigation of this nature. We are supporting the victim and working diligently to uncover the facts.”
Public Reaction and Community Concern
The alleged incident has drawn strong public reaction across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with users expressing outrage and calls for accountability. One user wrote: “Absolutely sickening — prayers for the young girl. Justice must be swift.”
Advocacy groups including the NSPCC and Rape Crisis England & Wales have urged schools and parents to intensify conversations around consent, safety, and support for young people.
Broader Context of Youth Crime in Dorset
This incident follows a January 2025 case in which two 14-year-old boys from Fordingbridge were charged in a similar offence, raising wider concerns about youth crime in the region.
Police Investigation & Support Measures
Dorset Police’s Child Vulnerability Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from Victim Support services, who are working directly with the girl and her family.
The force is urging witnesses or anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 and quoting occurrence number 55250123456.
Legal and Social Implications
Cases involving minors are handled by specialist youth courts, in line with guidelines from the Crown Prosecution Service and Ministry of Justice. These courts aim to deliver justice while recognizing the developmental status of young defendants.
Community leaders and educators are also calling for expanded safeguarding programmes, including consent education and anonymous reporting tools like Childline.
Moving Forward
The incident has renewed focus on the importance of preventative education, community vigilance, and well-resourced youth mental health services.
Dorset Police stated:
“We remain fully committed to protecting young people and bringing perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.”
Organisations such as Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, and CEOP continue to offer crucial tools for prevention and survivor support.
