Westcountry man in clown mask arrested after alleged child sex assault near park

A man has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child while wearing a 'clown mask' in a Westcountry town. Devon and Cornwall Police received reports that a man[1], thought to be under the influence of alcohol, had been wearing the mask in the area of a playground in Crediton, Devon, yesterday (October 24). Police were also told the man[2] had been approaching children causing fear and had allegedly inappropriately touched a child in the park near Belle Parade and Church Street.

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 (on Tuesday, October 24) 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. "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. "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.

References

1. ^ Police received reports that a man (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ were also told the man (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
3. ^ West Country murder arrest after woman found dead at property (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
4. ^ M4 Storm Babet fatal crash victims named as tributes paid to mum and daughter (www.somersetlive.co.uk)