STONY PLAIN, Alta. -- Mounties say a six-year-old girl from the Paul Band First Nation west of Edmonton is in critical condition after a serious assault over the weekend.

RCMP said Sunday that they had made an arrest in the case, but added they wouldn't release any names in order to protect the child's identity.

Police say the assault happened on Saturday. They say the girl was transported to hospital by helicopter and that while her condition remained critical on Sunday, she was stable.

Global News in Edmonton reported that family members said the child had been skating with friends and was then left at home with a family member.

Neither were there when others returned to the house, and it was initially assumed she had returned to the rink.

Global News reported when family went looking for her, they found her beaten and naked in the woods.

RCMP say they are continuing to investigate the case, along with police from Edmonton's major crimes unit.

Police tape surrounded the home and a gas station in the community on Sunday.

Casey Bird, chief of the Paul Band, said the entire community has been rattled by the case.

"We have to come together as a community to support the family," Bird told CTV Edmonton.

The community issued a statement on Sunday asking for privacy so the family could focus on the child, and on what they hope will be her full recovery.