A teenager has appeared before a High Court judge accused of the attempted murder and rape of a young girl.

The boy from Exmouth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was not asked to not enter pleas to the two charges.

He appeared at Exeter Crown Court via video link from Feltham Young Offenders Institution during a 50-minute hearing.

He is accused of raping and attempting to murder the girl who was allegedly attacked on a grassy area in Exmouth, on October 4.

An earlier hearing was told the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and strangled as she walked home and was found lying in a brook.

Judge, The honourable Mr Justice Dingemans, set a date for an eight-day trial at Exeter Crown Court, on February 25, 2019.

The boy will next appear at court by video link on December 18, when the judge will give further directions for the progress of the case.

A formal direction banning the Press from identifying the defendant and the victim was reinforced.