British soldier accused of raping six-year-old girl in Austria

A British soldier has been charged with raping a six-year-old girl at her home in Austria.

The soldier, who has not been named, is accused of sexually assaulting the girl last November in the western state of Tyrol where he was taking part in mountain training exercises.

The paratrooper, believe to be a 30-year-old from the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, is due to appear in court in 10 March.

Prosecutors accuse the soldier of entering the girl's unlocked family home while drunk to abuse her. He was allegedly found in the six-year-old's bedroom by her father.

He has been held in custody since the incident. If found guilty, the soldier faces up to 10 years in prison.

The British Army confirmed the arrest of a soldier in the town of Neustift on 29 November 2014.

A spokesperson added: "This is a matter for the Austrian authorities and it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."