A TEENAGE girl was raped in the early hours of the morning in Bournemouth town centre.

Dorset Police was called to reports of a rape of a 17-year-old girl near to Boots on Commercial Road, Bournemouth, at around 4.30am on Wednesday, October 28.

The girl was in the company of another teenage girl at the time.

An investigation has been launched by Dorset Police detectives.

A force spokeswoman said the girls are both being supported by specially-trained officers.

A 17-year-old boy from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of rape and attempted rape.

The spokeswoman said that the 17-year-old girl and the arrested boy are known to each other.

He is currently assisting detectives with their inquiries, while a cordon is in place at the town centre location.

Residents reported seeing a police presence in the area during the morning, with forensics scenes of crimes officers in attendance.

"Dorset Police received a report at around 4.30am on Wednesday, October 28, of a rape of a 17-year-old girl near to Boots on Commercial Road in Bournemouth," the spokeswoman said.

"The girl was in the company of another teenage girl. They are both being supported by specially-trained officers.

"A 17-year-old boy from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of rape and attempted rape. He is currently assisting detectives with their enquiries.

"An investigation is underway into the report and a cordon is in place. It is reported that the 17-year-old girl and arrested boy are known to each other."