Poole mayor praises public after Branksome Rec sex assault

Poole mayor and ward councillor Tony Trent said it was “encouraging” to hear that members of the public intervened after a seven-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at Branksome Recreation Ground.

As reported, at around 7.20pm on Thursday June 9, a seven-year-old girl was approached by a man near to the cricket practice nets at the recreation ground and he then touched her inappropriately over her clothing.

The girl’s mother, who was nearby, shouted at the man and he walked off toward 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.

Branksome Recreation Ground. Picture: Google

In reaction to the incident, Cllr Trent told the Echo: “It is a shock because at Branksome Rec there are plenty of people walking around in daylight hours, which this was in, so you never know what might happen.

“I think it reinforces that these crimes can happen anywhere at anytime and we have to remain vigilant for our young people.”

Cllr Trent also praised those who reportedly stopped the man before his arrest.

He added: “It’s encouraging to hear that local people reacted to the situation and I think it’s important that if people see something like this taking place that they do get involved – but of course keeping within reason.

“People need to be vigilant but must remain careful. Although as I read it the intervention of the public seemed to be of satisfaction to the police which again is encouraging.

“We’ve also had discussions about local play areas to try and make sure they’re well overlooked and visible to prevent any kind of crime from happening.”

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.