NORTON -- A Norton High School senior is being held by Spanish authorities following allegations of rape involving a female student during a school vacation trip abroad.

William McGrath, 19, is being held by police in Madrid, according to his father, Raymond.

McGrath said he understands that rape allegations were raised, although the American consul's office has confirmed only that his son has been charged and is being held.

School Superintendent Patricia Ansay said the alleged victim, a 17-year-old Norton High student, has already returned home along with about two dozen other local teens. The youngsters were part of a non-school-sponsored trip organized by EF Tours.

Ansay declined to identify either student. The young McGrath, who plans to study criminal justice at Sagninaw Valley State University in Michigan next fall, reportedly was taken off a plane Saturday as he and the other students returned to Madrid from Malaga, on Spain's Mediterranean coast.

The 19-year-old's father said the alleged incident reportedly occurred during a party at a hotel in Malaga on Friday.

The elder McGrath said he has not been allowed to talk to his son and has been able to gather very little information concerning the charges against him.

However, he said he was told by a consular official that William is being treated well.

Boston television station WHDH Channel 7 reported Monday night that it had been told by State Department officials that William McGrath had been returned by Spanish authorities to Malaga, where the incident allegedly occurred.

Ansay said she was not aware in advance of the Norton students' participation in the trip, which also included students from other schools. But she said the tour apparently included an adequate number of adult chaperones.

Schoool committee Chairman Kevin O'Neill declined to comment on the incident.