A 12-year-old boy was taken into custody under suspicion of trying to commit a sexual assault on an 11-year-old girl in Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire, around 8:30 pm on Tuesday.
The girl and her family are receiving support from specialized officers as investigations proceed. The local boy, aged 12, has been released on bail while authorities continue their inquiries into the attempted assault on a girl under 13.
Law enforcement officials have conducted various investigations, including house-to-house visits and interviews with young individuals present in the park during the incident.
Authorities are urging the public not to speculate on the event and to provide any pertinent information to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to assist in their probe.
Acting Inspector Ed Hurst of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Winchester district, stated, “While we understand the gravity of this situation and its impact on the community, we believe it to be an isolated incident. Our investigation is ongoing, and we will be conducting thorough inquiries in the coming days. We advise against speculation and encourage individuals with information to contact us directly at 101, quoting reference number 44250431539, or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.”