Community figures have told of their shock after an 11-year-old girl was raped in woodland in Holmer Green. 

The girl was walking along the well-used public footpath between Rookery Meadow and the woods near Watchet Lane in Holmer Green at around 12pm on Saturday, June 1, before the sickening attack happened.

A man who was standing near a gate that borders to woodland then grabbed her and raped her in the woods before fleeing the scene. 

Bucks Free Press:

A major police investigation has been launched - with officers combing the area for clues and making house-to-house enquiries. 

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Residents and councillors reacted with shock to the sickening news.

Reader Pam Johnson said: “Our thoughts are with the poor young girl and her family. To think this is happening on our doorstep is unbelievable.”

Chiltern District councillor Mark Titterington, who represents Holmer Green, told the Bucks Free Press he was “absolutely appalled” to hear of the attack. 

He added: “Like everyone in our community, I am absolutely appalled that an incident like this could have happened.

“My first thoughts and prayers are with the girl and her family.

“I know this will make all of us anxious for the safety of our families but it is important that we support the police in their investigation.”

Chesham and Amersham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan - whose constituency covers Holmer Green - has shared her best wishes for the victim. 

She said: “I am truly shocked and my heart goes out to the victim and her family.

"The police will be carrying out their investigations and seeking to identify the attacker whilst offering support to the victim and the family.”

Colin Thirsk, Little Missenden parish councillor, which covers Holmer Green, added: “We were horrified to hear about this attack in our village and our thoughts are very much with the young girl and her family.

“The path is used by lots of people. Holmer Green residents will understandably be shocked and very nervous.

"However, I have spoken to the police and am very much reassured they are doing everything they possibly can to catch the young man responsible.

"If there's anyone in our community with information that might help, I would urge them to contact the police by the following means - call 101 quoting reference number 43190168070 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Chiltern District Council leader and county councillor for the area Isobel Darby said the attack was "shocking". 

District councillor Michael Smith also offered his best wishes to the victim and her family. 

He said: "This was obviously an appalling incident and certainly not the sort of thing we expect to happen in Holmer Green. No doubt the police are on the case.

"I do hope that the girl is all right, my thoughts are with her and her family."