Nova Scotia

North Preston men accused of confining, sexually assaulting girl

Two men arrested Thursday night and Friday morning in connection with the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in North Preston have now been charged.

Police say 15-year-old girl escaped after being held 2 days in basement

The police investigation has revealed that a 15-year-old girl escaped from a residence on Clarence Street where she said she had been held and sexually assaulted. She was found at the scene with her mother and taken to hospital. (Elizabeth Chiu/CBC)

Two 18-year-old men face a list of charges after a 15-year-old girl said she was held in a North Preston basement for two days and sexually assaulted.

Police say the girl escaped from a home on Clarence Street Thursday night. 

Officers later arrested two men, both from North Preston. The two are accused of human trafficking, sexual assault, sexual interference and unlawful confinement.

One of the men is also charged with uttering threats, use of a weapon during an assault, possession of a dangerous weapon and breach of probation.

RCMP Const. Tammy Lobb says human trafficking is a grave charge.

"Human trafficking is described when someone is forced or controlled or coerced into the sex trade," she said. "It is serious and it's not something we hear of very often. It's not extremely common."

Lobb said the girl was taken to hospital.

The pair are due in court on Monday. Police have not released their names.