A 10-year-old girl was reportedly snatched, taken to a remote area of Petit Bordel, and raped on Wednesday night.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, a resident of that north Leeward community told SEARCHLIGHT the girl was found in the vicinity of the Petit Bordel waterfall sometime after 9 p.m.

Reports are that she was sent to a shop close to her home and when she failed to return in a reasonable time, family members and other residents of the village mounted a search for her.

According to the resident, the man who is alleged to have assaulted the child is known to the police, as he was imprisoned for theft in the past and a few years ago, was allegedly part of a robbery gone wrong, in which the victim managed to kill one of his attackers.

“I’m annoyed and mad,” the resident stated bluntly, while expressing her anger.

“The perpetrator should be punished harshly. It was beyond a disgusting act. Child molestation needs to be taken more seriously, and accusers should be dealt with more harshly. This child would be scarred for life.

It will be hard for her to cope, especially when she goes next week to write her CPEA (Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment),” said the irate woman.She added that growing up in her village, she has never known of such incidents happening.

“As a woman, I am against acts like these, which can cause emotional, as well as mental pain,” the Petit Bordel resident stated.A police source confirmed to SEARCHLIGHT that the matter is being investigated.