A MAN accused of raping a 12-year-old girl he met on Facebook will face a retrial in March next year.

Christopher McMahon, 22, of Cameron Street, Barrow, pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape of a child under 13 at Barrow Crown court.

A jury deliberated for several days after hearing evidence from both sides in the week-long trial.

Her Honour Judge Jacqueline Beech later dismissed jurors after they were unable to agree on a verdict.

Judge Beech originally ordered jurors to come to a unanimous verdict but when this seemed unlikely, she directed them to reach a majority decision on September 12.

McMahon is alleged to have raped the schoolgirl in his attic bedroom.

The pair first met on Facebook before meeting up to play video games and watch TV together.

The retrial will take place on March 27 at Preston Crown Court.