Police have arrested an 11-year-old boy on suspicion of raping a seven-year-old boy in a Dorset village.

The alleged attack took place in Wool.

It is said to have happened at an outside location during the evening, close to the victim's home.

The family cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The mother of the victim says her son is 'not the same' after the alleged attack.

The boy was playing outside when he went out of view around a corner, the mother said.

When her son returned a short while later, she said, his clothing was in disarray and he seemed subdued.

Upon questioning, the boy told his parents he had been raped.

The mother said her son had been badly traumatised by the incident. "Normally he's really lively, but at the moment he's just really quiet and withdrawn," she said.

She added: "He's not the same. We have been so distressed by this."

In a statement, Dorset Police confirmed they were investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "Dorset Police is currently investigating a report of a rape in Wool.

"It was reported that the incident occurred on Monday, May 14, at an outside location. The victim – a seven-year-old boy – is being supported by specially-trained officers.

"An 11-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released under investigation to allow officers to establish the full circumstances around the incident."