'Boy sexually assaulted' while swimming at beach as cops hunt 'group of men'

19 June 2023 , 18:04

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Police want to trace a "group of men" as they believe one of these touched the boy inappropriately in the water at Bournemouth beach (Image: Getty Images)

A teenage boy was sexually assaulted while swimming at a busy beach on the weekend according to police.

Police want to trace a "group of men" as they believe one of these touched the boy inappropriately in the water at Bournemouth beach, near the pier, at around 7.05pm on Saturday.

The suspected attacker has been described as having a tattoo on the left side of his neck with the letters "AK", and was wearing a white or black vest.

A spokesman for Dorset Constabulary said: "At around 7.05pm on Saturday 17 June 2023 the victim, a 17-year-old boy, was in the sea with friends to the east side of Bournemouth Pier when they met a group of Asian men.

"One of the men reportedly touched the boy inappropriately while they were in the water.

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"The man was described as having a tattoo on the left side of his neck with the letters ‘AK’ and was wearing a white or black vest."

Police Constable Aimi Cowden, of Bournemouth police, said: "We are continuing to investigate this incident and I would urge any witnesses or anyone with information that might assist our enquiries to please contact us.

"As part of our summer policing operation, local officers and partners agencies carry out regular patrols of the beach and surrounding area.

"We will respond to concerns raised and will take proactive action against those involved in reported crime and anti-social behaviour."

Bradley Jolly