In a significant development, officers also confirmed that the attackers knew the girl. Police will remain in the area over the weekend while further investigations are carried out.

Detective Constable Simon Vickers, who is leading the investigation, said: “Over the last 24 hours my team have been carrying out extensive inquiries to establish exactly why this incident occurred and to understand the circumstances leading up to the attack. As part of yesterday’s investigations of the 13-year-old girl, who is in a critical but stable condition in hospital. A large crime scene guard was deployed to woodland on Ferriby High Road, as well as an area on the A63 in Hessle. Members of the public helped the young girl.

“These cordons have now been lifted. I can confirm that the attackers were aware that the 13-year-old girl and six other teenagers are currently in custody and being questioned by detectives.

“Officers will remain in and around the area today and throughout the weekend if anyone wishes to speak to them about their concerns. “Once again I would like to thank the citizens who came to the girls’ aid and also those who have called to provide us with any information so far.

“If you have any information that could assist officers, or have dashcam or CCTV footage from the time of the incident and have not yet been contacted, please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 82/1. November Alternatively, you can remain anonymous If you wish, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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