Residents of Akenfa, area of Yenagoa have apprehended a 35-year-old man for allegedly defiling a 13 years old girl in the neigbourhood.

It was learnt that the angry residents who reportedly caught the man in the act descended on the suspect and beat him up and called the police.

A resident who witnessed the scene but wishes not to be named said that the suspect was caught ‘pants down’ as the noise made by the victim attracted sympathisers who came to her rescue.

“The man was caught red handed in the act and it infuriated the residents who beat him mercilessly until the Police came to his rescue, if the Police had delayed, maybe he would have been beaten to death. Immediately he was caught, some people in the neighborhood called the Police and the prompt arrival of the patrol team led to the survival of the randy man,” the eyewitness said.

Contacted, Mr Asinim Butswat, Police Spokesman for Bayelsa Police Command, confirmed the incident.

Butwat, who applauded the efforts of members of the public in assisting the police to fight crime, advised them to desist from taking laws into their hands.

He said: “On the 4th of October, 2015, at about 0930hrs, Policemen attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Yenagoa, responded to a distress call from residents of Akenfa 1 Community, Yenagoa.

“On arrival, they met an irate mob attacking one Akpobomei Michael age 35yrs, for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The suspect was rescued and was subsequently detained.”

The Police Command appreciates the commitment of members of the public in assisting Police in fighting crimes, but they should however desist from beating suspects.”

Butswat said that Investigation on the incident was already underway.

It will be recalled that members of the public in Swali area of Yenagoa on September 12 apprehended three armed robbery gang members at a robbery scene, disarmed them and recovered N 3 million cash stolen from the victims.

•Photo shows a rape scene.