Man wearing clown mask arrested after 'sexually assaulting child on playground'

25 October 2023 , 09:21

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The park where the incident is alleged to have happened (Image: DevonLive/BPM)

A man wearing a "clown mask", who allegedly touched children inappropriately in the play area of a park, has been arrested.

Police were called to the incident in Crediton, Devon, at around 12.40pm on Tuesday (October 24) following reports that a man believed to be under the influence of alcohol had been in the area of the play park wearing a clown type mask.

Officers received a further claim that the man had been approaching children causing fear and had allegedly inappropriately touched a child in the park near Belle Parade and Church Street. The man, in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of committing a sexual assault on a child and remains in police custody. Police are appealing for anyone with information including CCTV footage to come forward.

Inspector Ollie Heaton said: “A male in his 40s was arrested this afternoon on suspicion of committing a sexual assault on a child which occurred within the vicinity of the Newcombes Play Park in Crediton. The male remains in police custody whilst enquiries continue.

“This incident is alleged to have occurred between approximately 12:00pm and 12:40pm today and we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information relating to this, to contact us as soon as possible. Information that we are keen to review also includes any dash cam, doorbell or other CCTV footage.

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“It is believed that a number of people, including parents with children, were in the park at the time and we are very keen to speak to everyone who was present to ensure that we have captured all the relevant evidence and witness testimonies.”

Insp Heaton, reported DevonLive, added: “I appreciate that reported incidents such as this will cause concern within the community, and I want to reassure the public that we are painstakingly seeking all the evidence in order to deal robustly and thoroughly with the report. At present we are not seeking anyone else in connection to this incident." Anyone with information which may assist is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 301 of 24 October.

Chloe Parkman