Boy, 12, in court over rape claim

A 12-year-old boy has been remanded into secure accommodation accused of raping an eight-year-old boy.

The accused boy, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, has been charged with two counts of rape and seven counts of sexual assault. No plea was entered.

He also faced three counts of engaging a child in sexual activity. It is believed that the alleged offences took place within the last six months.

The boy appeared before Wigan magistrates on Friday.

He will return to Wigan Youth Court on 23 August.