Arrest made after doctors discover that 12-year-old girl is pregnant

A 19-year-old male has been arrested, but released on bail after it was discovered that a 12-year-old girl has become pregnant in Northern Ireland.

According to emerging reports, the individual was arrested in west Belfast last Thursday when police officials were informed of the young girl's pregnancy.

It has been established that the 19-year-old will be charged with rape if he is found to have engaged in sexual relations with the 12-year-old girl.

Confirming the reports, the PSNI last night released a statement, saying: "The man has been released on police bail pending further enquiries."

It is understood the child's family are shocked by the situation - a reaction which Heather Low of the Family Planning Association insists should not be ignored in these types of cases, saying: "It's important to get support. Chances are that your child didn't plan this and they will be feeling scared and anxious about what to do."

According to statistics, teenage pregnancy has been steadily decreasing in Northern Ireland in recent years and it is understood that should the child at the centre of this case carry her pregnancy to full-term, she will be one of the youngest mothers in Northern Irish history. 

The maximum penalty faced by the 19-year-old individual should he be found guilty of rape is life imprisonment.