Residents in a community where a child was sexually assaulted have spoken of their surprise and shock.

The five-year-old girl was attacked in the daytime on Friday. Two men have since been arrested with the alleged sexual assault, but have been released on Police bail.

Residents in the area say the community has since joined together and had a meeting on Saturday evening to discuss what happened.

Handouts have also been passed out reminding neighbours to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for potential suspects.

One woman said: "It is very shocking, especially as a mother."

She told The Royal Gazette, that even though her daughter was now grown up it was "still shocking because it could have happened to my child".

"We are very surprised because as far as I know it has never happened in this area or on this property before.

"I haven't heard anymore (about the incident). They had a community meeting the other night but other than being vigilant about your surroundings there is nothing much more you can do.

"Because we have all these signs posted saying this is private property but I guess that doesn't matter to people."

Another resident said he wasn't able to attend the meeting and has gotten most of his information from the media.

"I only know what I heard on the news the other night. I don't know the family or the girl or anything, but I guess if she lives around here I will probably get news of that from neighbours."

From what he has heard the incident "happened so quickly. But for somebody to just be passing through, it is incredible. Our newsletter said they thought the guy had a green shirt and jeans."

"That and I heard it was a fairly lengthy meeting just for the residents around here so maybe they were discussing neighbourhood watch."

The man said a nearby road had been closed and more through traffic than normal has been in the area lately.

Meanwhile a woman said the alleged crime was "horrendous" and "surprising". She added: "I still can't believe it."

ZBM television news quoted this week that the child's father was urging the community to step forward with information.

He reportedly said the light had gone out of his little girl's eyes.

Police would not comment on the incident any further last night.