Police investigating a reported sexual assault of a child in Poole are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police received reports that at around 7.20pm on 9 June 2022, a seven-year-old girl was approached by a man at Branksome Recreation Ground, near to the cricket practice nets, and he touched her inappropriately over her clothing.

The girl’s mother was nearby, and shouted at the man. He walked off towards Alder Road before being stopped by members of the public.

Officers attended and a 37-year-old Poole man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been released on police bail.

Investigations officer Demi Kaittani, of Dorset Police’s Volume Crime Team, said: “We are continuing to carry out a number of enquiries into this incident and we are doing all we can to support the victim and her family.

“I understand there were a number of people in the area at the time of this incident and I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please come forward.”

Superintendent Gemma Morris, of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole police, said: “We understand reports of this nature are likely to cause concern for the local community and local officers will be carrying out visible patrols in the area over the coming days. They can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220091930. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.