Girl rearrested over murder bid

Anthony's mother is relieved to have him back with her

A 12-year-old girl has been rearrested by detectives investigating an attack on a five-year-old boy in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

The girl had been released after magistrates refused to grant further time for questioning. She was rearrested on Thursday afternoon.

Police are questioning her over what happened to Anthony Hinchliffe who was found with injuries to his neck.

A girl and a boy, both aged 11, were released on Thursday afternoon.

Five child suspects - two girls aged 12 and 11, and three boys, two aged 12 and one aged 11 - have been arrested by detectives in West Yorkshire on suspicion of attempted murder.

Two of the boys were eliminated from inquiries on Thursday morning.

Anthony's mother has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Terry Brown said: "This has been a very distressing time for both myself and my family.

"One of my concerns, now that I have Anthony back with me, is for anyone who has information that can help the police to come forward and get in touch."

Police briefing

Police are still searching for two or three more people.

Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, has spoken of her relief that Anthony was back with his mother.

She said: "Thank God, despite the trauma suffered by this five-year-old boy, he has been safely reunited with his mother."

Anthony was discovered injured and clearly distressed close to the Earlsheaton Medical Centre during Tuesday evening.

He was taken to Dewsbury and District Hospital where his injuries were described as serious. He was released on Wednesday afternoon.

The attack took place close to a medical centre near Dewsbury

At a news conference on Wednesday afternoon Det Supt Andy Brennan, of West Yorkshire Police, said Anthony had "marks around his neck that could be consistent with ligature marks".

"The victim is a five-year-old child who has suffered some serious injuries, which is why those arrested last night were arrested for attempted murder," he said.

"He's got a number of bruises to his body. He has marks around his neck which could be consistent with ligature marks - there are marks which cause me concern."

He said police were first contacted at 1800 BST on Tuesday by a member of the public, who had been approached by the victim.

Items recovered

"Clearly, the boy was very distressed and he had obvious injuries," said Mr Brennan.

It is not clear if Anthony had been abducted or not. Police said they are not ruling anything out at this stage.

The boy is being interviewed by specially trained officers and police confirmed a number of items had been recovered from the scene.

None of the children being questioned is related to Anthony, police said.