The mother of a 13-year-old girl was arrested last week after it was reported to the police that a mixture of salt and pepper was poured on to the child's genitals.

The St Catherine mother has since been charged with child abuse and is to appear in court next week, the police say.

Reports reaching The STAR are that the woman found out that her daughter was having sex and started to accuse the child of being rude and loose. She allegedly told her daughter that she was going to 'cool' her down.

It is reported that the child was held down on a bed, her legs spread apart and the mixture of salt, black pepper and bird pepper poured between her thighs. The child had to be rushed to hospital to ease the agonising pain, THE STAR understands.

The father of the teenager related the ordeal to a friend who then called the police and the mother was taken into custody and later charged.

Several persons from the area where the mother and daughter live expressed shock at the cruel act that took place in their community.

A senior policeman acknowledged the incident and confirmed that the mother was in custody awaiting her appearance in court.