Police swarmed to the area after the little girl was found in a "distressed state" by a member of the public on Thursday afternoon.
After police released an appeal over Thursday afternoon alleged attack, a 16-year-old boy from the local area was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
But as forensics pour over the scene, the community in Exmouth, East Devon, have been left reeling.
One local who lived near Marley Road, where the girl was found, said: "It's quite scary to think that something like this could happen.
"It is just too close to home. My son is six and it's horrible to think that someone could do that to a 10-year-old girl.
"I won't be letting my son out of the house."
One resident, named Lucy, added: "Most of us can't believe it's happened and right on our doorstep as well.
"Usually our kids would be out playing tonight, but they're not because of this."
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "It's horrific to know that our kids play in this area all the time and the fact it happened in broad daylight is so frightening.
"I was home all afternoon and I heard nothing at all. It has shocked us all."
The little girl had been taken to a member of the public's home after being found near Marley Road about 5pmon Thursday.
Dawn Hines said she was out walking her dog when the incident allegedly took place Dawn said: "I have three children and two grandchildren and it's sickening to think something like this could happen here.
"I have lived here for 25 years and it's such a lovely quiet area.
"I was out walking my dog yesterday afternoon and I could have passed by anyone.
"You just can't imagine something like this to happen.
"It has left an eerie atmosphere in the area and it's shaken the community."
Resident Tracie Mitchell, who has a five-year-old daughter, added: "There's such an eerie feel."
Police yesterday confirmed a 16-year-old had been arrested over the alleged "violent assault."
Police officers, who have been working 14 hour shifts as they investigate, have since appealed for anyone with CCTV of the area to come forward.
Superintendent Matt Lawler, the local policing commander for Exeter, East and Mid Devon said: "We would like to thank the media and the public for the support they have offered us so far in relation to this matter.
"However, we must stress that this is still very much a live and active police investigation and we are keeping an open mind, which is why it is essential that anyone with information that can assist us, comes forward.
"We are asking that anyone in the immediate area of Marley Road yesterday afternoon, or anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in that area in the past few days, no matter how insignificant they feel it could be, to contact the police."
Anyone with dashcam or CCTV covering areas around Jubilee Drive; Marley Road; and Pound Lane in Exmouth between 3-6pm yesterday have been asked to come forward.
Police have launched visible patrols in the area.
Anyone with any information, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage that can aid the police investigation is asked to contact 101 quoting log 367 for the 5th of October.
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