Youth suspected in sex assault of B.C. child

RCMP say they are working with a child and youth advocacy centre in Surrey, B.C., as they investigate a sexual assault involving a child under 12 and a suspect who is just 13 years old.

A statement from Surrey RCMP says its special victims unit is working with staff from Sophie's Place to respond to the assault.

The assault is alleged to have happened Monday in a city park.

Police say the suspect is not seriously physically hurt but is upset and its victim services department is involved.

Because of the young ages of both victim and suspect, police say they involved Sophie's Place, which is a collaboration between provincial government ministries, the Surrey RCMP and the City of Surrey.

The statement says the matter is being dealt with in a way "suitable for the situation, which includes measures to avoid further instances," and parents are being reassured that the incident appears isolated.