British police are tonight questioning a 12-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of trying to murder a five-year-old boy.
Anthony Hinchliffe was found wandering alone and distressed with ligature-type marks around his neck and bruising to his body near woodland in Dewsbury, northern England, on Tuesday, prompting speculation that someone had tried to hang him.
Media commentators said the incident bore "chilling similarities" to the 1993 murder of Merseyside toddler James Bulger, who was led away by two 10-year-old boys while waiting for his mother outside a shop.
Hinchcliffe's family suspects the boy, described as a "very active lad" with lots of friends, was taken from the family's garden to the woodlands where the incident took place on Tuesday afternoon.
He was found by his 22-year-old cousin and was interviewed by specialist officers after being released from hospital.
His mother, Terry Brown, urged anyone with information to come forward. "This has been a very distressing time for both myself and my family," she said.
"One of my main concerns, now that I have Anthony back with me, is for anyone who has any information that can help the police to come forward and get in touch."
Police initially arrested five children - two girls and three boys, all aged between 11 and 12. None of them were related to the victim but all were said to be from the area.
The 12-year-old girl had been freed earlier today after magistrates refused to grant police extra time to question her. But hours later she was rearrested and taken to Dewsbury police station.
A boy and girl, both aged 11, were released today and two 12-year-old boys were freed yesterday. They were all released without charge.
PA