Girl Sexually Assaulted by Shop Owner

Police are investigating the reported sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl in a village in western Belize. A male shop owner, identified as the alleged perpetrator, is currently detained as investigations continue.

Police were told of the incident on Monday, after which an investigation was immediately launched.

During police enquiries, the child, speaking in the presence of her parents, alleged that the inappropriate behaviour began when she was eight years old and occurred during visits to the shop.

According to police, the girl reported that the most recent incident happened on Sunday, April 26, when the shop owner allegedly touched her inappropriately, causing her pain.