Two teen girls 'sexually assaulted' at shop as boys aged 11, 13 and 14 arrested

12 March 2024 , 15:48

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The girls were approached by a group in the Atria shopping centre in Watford on Saturday (Image: Google Street View)

Three boys have been arrested following the sexual assault of two teenage girls at a shopping centre.

During the incident, which police have said “will cause concern” among the community, the girls were approached in the Atria shopping centre in Watford on Saturday by a group. They were then allegedly inappropriately touched.

One boy aged 11, and two male teenagers aged 13 and 15 were all arrested on suspicion of assault, police have said.

The trio have since been released on bail and police are now encouraging anyone with information about the attack, which took place between midday and 1pm, to come forward and talk to officers.

Police are appealing for anybody with information regarding the alleged assault to come forward (Atria Watford)

Inspector Dan Jones, who leads Watford’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: ‘We understand that news of this incident will cause concern among the wider community, and we hope news of the arrests are reassuring.

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"We are supporting both victims, keeping them and their families updated on our investigation as it progresses.

"This incident happened during a busy Saturday in the town centre and we’re urging anyone who believes they witnessed what happened to please come forward to help us with our enquiries."

Joe Smith