RCMP confirm the rape occurred, says Staff Sgt. Mike Jeffrey, but are saying little else.

The main concern is that RCMP put together a solid case before arrests are made, Jeffrey says.

"We are actively investigating this, but we can't identify who we are looking for or the victim because of the ages involved," Jeffrey says.

It's frustrating for police, Jeffrey says, who want Cambridge Bay people to know the Mounties are doing their best.

"It's not hush-hush. It's just a very sensitive case," Jeffrey says.

"We can understand the desire of the community to see something done, but we want to make an air-tight case."

Jeffrey won't even go into details about the nature of the suspect or suspects; or if the child is from Cambridge Bay or was visiting relatives. The community is so small, even a hint could quickly become "common knowledge."

"Even naming that we have suspects can influence the investigation," Jeffrey says.

"We believe the safer road to travel is to say nothing at this time."