Witnesses Sought After Man Approaches Children in Southampton Park

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a suspicious incident involving a man reportedly making inappropriate sexual comments to children in a Southampton park.

Officers were called shortly before 5.30pm on Tuesday, 5 August, to Cedar Lodge Park on Oakley Road, after reports that a man had been approaching children and making sexual remarks. It was also reported that the man hugged one of the children during the encounter.

The suspect is described as a white male, with a grey beard and a mostly bald head, standing around 5ft 7in tall. He was seen riding a red scooter.

Police have confirmed that a 64 year old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault. Upon arrest, the man urinated in public, including inside the police vehicle. As a result, he was further arrested on suspicion of exposure and criminal damage.

The man has been bailed until 5 November while further enquiries are carried out.

Officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the man in the area at the time to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 44250351847.