A 26-year-old man who “married” a 12-year-old girl has been arrested and charged with 25 counts of sexual intercourse with her.

Police allege the man met the girl at Wallsend, in Newcastle in NSW, in 2013 and became involved in an “ongoing sexual relationship” with her.

The pair then allegedly moved to a house in Guildford, in Sydney’s west, where they continued the relationship.

Police claim the man and child were “married” in a religious ceremony in NSW earlier this year.

On Thursday, the 26-year-old man was arrested by detectives from the Child Abuse Squad and taken to Auburn Police Station.

He was charged with 25 counts of sexual intercourse with a child between 10 and 14 years.

He was refused bail and is due to appear in Burwood Local Court on Friday.

Police say they can’t name the accused due to legal reasons.