Police have arrested a 13-year-old boy as they investigate the rape of a young teenager in Kingsbury.

The victim, in his early teens, told police he was raped by a male at around 9am on Tuesday in the wooded area of Roe Green Park near the junction with Kingsbury Road and Roe Green.

Police said: “Police investigating a rape in Roe Green Park, Kingsbury Road, NW9 at around 9am on Tuesday, May 16, have made an arrest.

“A 13-year-old was arrested on Wednesday, May 17 on suspicion of rape.

“He remains in custody at a north London police station.

“The victim, a boy aged in his early teens, was assaulted by another male in the park.”

A police tent was set up at the scene and a police cordon was still in place in the park this afternoon.

Pupils at nearby schools were sent home early yesterday afternoon and told to avoid the area.

One parent, whose teenage daughters were sent home early at 2pm, told the Brent&Kilburn Times: “Teachers came into the classrooms and told pupils to take care when going home and to avoid the park.”

An email to parents and pupils at one school warned: “An incident has happened in Roe Green Park and therefore we want to remind you of key messages to keep you safe. Where possible try not to travel alone. We encourage you to come to school on time, so you are travelling with the majority of our school.

“At the end of the day please let your parents know where you are going to be and ensure you have safe plans to get home with others.

If you are feeling uncomfortable, seek help and/or come back to the school.”

Meanwhile school police liaison officers and staff were patrolling the area in the morning and afternoon today.