Man charged with rape and sexual assault of girls

A man has been charged after a 16-year-old girl was raped and a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted.

Sonny Boyes, 19, from Exeter, has been charged with two offences of rape and three offences of sexual assault.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the incidents took place in the area of Digby and Sowton train station in Exeter between 20:45 and 22:00 BST on Friday.

Mr Boyes is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Det Insp Emma LeFort said specialist officers were supporting the girls.

"We continue to investigate the incidents and want to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Digby and Sowton railway station, or on a train passing through, between 20:45 and 22:00 on Friday," she added.

A man has been arrested after a 16-year-old girl was raped and a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Exeter on Friday night.

The 19-year-old man, from Exeter, was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault and remains in police custody, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Both incidents happened in the area of Digby and Sowton train station between 20:45 and 22:00 BST, the force added.

Det Ch Insp Dave Pebworth said officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents.

Police said the 16-year-old girl was raped at about 21:00 on Clyst Halt Avenue.

About half an hour later, the 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on the train platform, and further assaulted while on a train travelling to Exeter St David's.

Det Ch Insp Pebworth said: "We believe that there were lots of people in the area of Digby and Sowton last night and we are urging anyone with information which may assist us to please get in touch. A number of scene guards will be in place today as we continue our investigation and there is an increased high visibility presence."