Police in Phu Quoc Island off the southern Vietnamese province of Kien Giang have arrested a man for allegedly raping a nine-year-old lottery ticket seller before robbing her last month.

The provincial Department of Police confirmed on Tuesday they had apprehended Nguyen Van Hai, 37, as he was hiding in a tenanted house in Cua Can Commune, Phu Quoc.

At the police station, Hai admitted to having raped T., a nine-year-old girl who earns a living by selling lottery tickets on the island, and robbed the victim of VND1 million (US$43) last month

Local residents spotted T. crying on a street in Phu Quoc, wearing blood-stained clothes at around 10:00 pm on October 29.

She was brought to a local hospital, where doctors discovered that her genitals were damaged and bleeding, so they treated the young girl.

According to T., she and her parents moved to Phu Quoc about four years ago.

The girl goes to a local elementary school and sells lottery tickets after school to earn extra income for the family.

On the night of October 29, T. said she was selling lottery tickets in Duong Dong Town when Hai approached her on his motorbike, claiming he would like to give her some money as he had just won the jackpot prize.

T. agreed and let him carried her on his motorcycle to a secluded area near Phu Quoc International Airport, where the man forced himself upon the young girl, according to what she told police officers.

After allegedly raping the victim, Hai took VND1 million from T. and took off.

Local benefactors have set up a fund and raised more than VND100 million ($4,300) to support the young girl and her family following the incident.

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