The police in Solomon Islands are investigating the death of a young girl following an alleged rape.
The police say the 12 year old died after after allegedly being raped during a community function on Tikopia Island in Temotu province on Thursday.
The police say it's believed the incident occurred in a nearby bush.
The girl's body was found floating in nearby Lake Teroto.
Assistant Commissioner Provincial Joseph Manelugu said a suspect is in the village chief's custody and arrangements are underway to send police officers from Honiara to assist in investigating the matter.
"I call on both parties who are involved in this sad incident to refrain from taking the law in to their own hands but allow police to investigate the matter," Mr Manelugu said.
"We are working very closely with the family of the suspect who allegedly raped the 12-year-old girl at Namo Village on Tikopia,"
