A 33-year-old man from a refugee centre in Dronten, Flevoland province, has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl, Dutch media report.

Police have confirmed a man has been arrested in Dronten but not that he is a refugee. According to the Telegraaf, a 23-year-old woman from the refugee centre has also been taken in for questioning.

The girl was dragged from her bike around 3am on Sunday morning and attacked. According to some reports she was raped but this has not been confirmed. She was treated in hospital for her injuries and is said to be making good progress.

Police describe the assault as ‘extremely serious’ and searched the area several times with dogs before arresting the suspect on Sunday evening. They are not releasing any more information while the investigation is under way.

Locals are extremely concerned about the attack and police are keeping a close eye on social media reactions, the Telegraaf said.

‘We understand that people are angry and we have seen signs on social media,’ a spokesman said. ‘If necessary we will take action against individuals or groups who say they will take matters into their own hands. I hope everyone understands that this would benefit no-one.’