TWO men have been arrested in connection with the sexual assault and robbery of a 12-year-old girl in Stockton.

Police said the arrests are also in connection with two other incidents involving young girls.

The men, aged 18 and 20, have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "Two men, an 18-year-old and 20-year-old have been arrested in connection with an investigation into a sexual assault and robbery of a 12-year-old girl and other suspicious activity in Hardwick, Stockton."

The 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and robbed as she walked across wasteland near Chadwick Walk on Tuesday, October 23 at 4.20pm.

Two young girls also separately reported that on October 18 and October 22 they were asked by a man to get into a vehicle. When they refused the car drove off.

Police are continuing to appeal to members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist them in their ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the 101 non-emergency number.