A man from St Albans has been jailed for more than eight years for raping six-year-old child.

Shakir Rahman, 46, of Creighton Avenue, was found guilty by a jury for the rape of a child under 13 years old, at St Albans Crown Court on Monday, May 22.

On Wednesday (July 12) Rahman was sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison with an extended 12 months on licence.

The court heard how in June 2018, the victim, who was aged just six at the time, was raped by Rahman in St Albans.

"I’d like to thank the victim and her family for their bravery in supporting this investigation throughout," said investigating officer Detective Sergeant Zoe Maddison.

"Their strength in reporting this incident has resulted in a dangerous man being put behind bars.

"We take all reports of sexual assault seriously, no matter how long ago they took place, and do all we can to bring offenders to justice."

If you suspect a person of carrying out child sexual offences, or think someone you know has been a victim, visit herts.police.uk for information on how to report it, or call the non-emergency number, 101.