A British paratrooper has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a six-year-old child during an Army skiing trip.
The soldier was arrested on Saturday morning in Austria outside an address in Innsbruck.
It's claimed he climbed into the girl’s bedroom window during the night and attempted to sexually assault her.
He was discovered by the girl’s father who called the police, the Austrian authorities have said.
The soldier, who has not been named, is serving with 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery of the British Army.
The Heute newspaper reported that the alleged incident took place while British soldiers were in Tyrol for mountain training.
It's alleged the girl's father caught the 'half-naked' soldier in the act of attacking his daughter, and 'beat him bloody' before police arrived.
Prosecutor Hansjoerg Mayr said that the British consulate had been informed of the arrest, confirming: "We have started an investigation into suspicions of aggravated sexual abuse."
An Army spokesman said it is aware of the arrest and detention of the soldier in Neustift, Austria, on November 29 and the matter is being dealt with by the Austrian authorities.
If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
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