British man arrested over 'rape of six-year-old girl' and filming abuse in Thailand
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GB News
A British man has been arrested in Thailand over allegations he raped a six-year-old girl, following an investigation by UK authorities.
Luke Adam Lawrence, 30, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was detained at his residence in the coastal resort of Pattaya on Tuesday morning.
The arrest came after the National Crime Agency (NCA) in London identified Lawrence through video evidence of alleged child abuse.
Police stormed the suspect's rented home at the Private Paradise Pattaya condominium block, where he was living with his Thai girlfriend.
Luke Adam Lawrence, 30, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was detained at his residence in the coastal resort of Pattaya on Tuesday morning
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The NCA launched their investigation after tracing alleged child abuse content to Lawrence's phone, which included footage reportedly showing him assaulting a young south east Asian girl.
British investigators worked closely with Bangkok's Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division to locate the suspect.
Thai authorities analysed the video evidence and compared it with various locations in Pattaya, alongside social media posts, to track down Lawrence.
Police believe Lawrence had connections to the victim's mother, and the alleged assault occurred when the girl was six-years-old.
The investigation culminated in an arrest warrant being issued for "raping a minor under the age of 13".
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During the arrest, footage showed Lawrence emerging shirtless from his bedroom, followed by his partner wearing a silk nightie.
A translator present at the scene read out the charges, ordering Lawrence to kneel and confirm his identity.
Lawrence responded with "what, woah, wow" as the charges were detailed.
The translator explained the severity of the accusations, stating: "According to the illegal conduct you have done, there has been a charge of rape, statutory rape, of another individual, by force, by threat."
The charges specifically noted the offence was against "a minor under the age of 13 years old, which is not your wife, not your legal wife."
The translator further emphasised that regardless of consent, the charges stood due to the victim's age and inability to resist.
Lawrence was then formally arrested and escorted to a waiting police van.
Investigating officers later informed the victim's mother of the arrest and presented evidence, leading to additional complaints being filed.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Kiatkong Thongkham said: "The suspect denied all charges and refused to testify during the arrest. He was detained at the police station."
Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) issued a stark warning: "This is a warning to Thai women who seek foreign partners through various online channels, to be careful of the dangers of paedophilia."
They described paedophilia as "a mental disorder that causes patients to be sexually interested in children who have not yet reached puberty."
The bureau emphasised the importance of "being aware of, and protecting against dangers that may arise from those who behave in this way."
Lawrence remains in custody as investigations continue.
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