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Boy arrested after child ‘held and pictures taken of her’ in Victoria Park, Ashford

11:14, 27 July 2023

updated: 13:12, 27 July 2023

A teenage boy has been arrested after a child was allegedly held by her arms while pictures were taken of her.

It is alleged the girl was approached on Tuesday while she was playing in Victoria Park, Ashford.

The incident reportedly happened at Victoria Park in Ashford
The incident reportedly happened at Victoria Park in Ashford

The child's mother was able to intervene during the incident at about 4.30pm and take the little girl away before the suspect left the area.

An appeal was released yesterday by police into the incident.

Now, officers have confirmed an arrest has been made, and a 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody.

A police spokesman said: “Following inquiries by the East Kent Vulnerability Investigation team, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident.

“He remains in custody while inquiries continue.”

Officers are continuing to appeal to anyone who has any information, or who saw anything suspicious in the park between 4pm and 4.40pm, to call police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/133084/23.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete its online form.

It comes after the play area at the park in Jemmett Road has just undergone a major refurbishment under a £5.1m project.

The new facilities, including a cafe, opened officially at the weekend.

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