A 12-year-old boy appeared in court today charged with the attempted rape of an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly attacked behind a shopping complex.
Police arrested the youngster on Thursday after an incident the previous night at the rear of a video shop in the Kenton area of Newcastle.
The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Gosforth Youth Court, where the case was adjourned to August 14.
No plea was entered and the boy was granted bail.