DETECTIVES hunting three men who fled a takeaway after the alleged rape of a teenage girl have confirmed they have made an arrest.

Harjinder Singh, 32, was stopped in Birmingham on suspicion of assisting an offender accused of raping the 17-year-old.

The alleged attack happened at the Spice Mahal, in Craghead, Stanley, County Durham, at 10.30pm on April 14, last year.

Police launched a hunt to find the main suspect, Sarabjit Singh, 26, as well as Harjinder Singh and a man known as Jimmy, who is thought to be in his forties.

They fled the Indian takeaway after the girl told her family she was raped while returning from the upstairs toilet as she waited for food.

Investigating officers found the premises unlocked, with money in the till and the ovens still burning.

Detective Constable Paul Tallentire confirmed Mr Singh had been arrested and bailed until March 21.

He said: "He has nothing to do with raping the girl. We believe the offence took place after the alleged rape took place.

"Mr Singh has denied the offence and is assisting with inquiries."

Det Con Tallentire and Det Con Paul Burn went to Birmingham in January and arrested Mr Singh following an extensive investigation.

They are still searching for Sarabjit Singh, known as Sabby, and the man known as Jimmy, who is thought to be in Yorkshire.

Det Con Tallentire said: "These males have connections all over England. We believe Sabby is still in the UK and do not think he has left the country.

"It is really frustrating because the victim and her family want some closure on this so they can get on with their life."

The detective said the Sikh community had been shocked and appalled by the severity of the attack, which was featured on BBC's Crimewatch in July.

He said: "They are very proud of their religion and this was embarrassing for them.

"At first, we hit a wall of silence and that is why we made the national appeal.

"It has been a difficult and I do not know if it is a cultural thing, but we had a Sikh officer seconded to help the investigation and that helped us understand any cultural differences."

Det Con Tallentire renewed his appeal for anyone with information that would help find Sarabjit Singh.

He said: "I am sure that we will find Sabby."

People are asked to call 0191-375 2511.