A 64-year-old man has been arrested following reports that an unknown man approached and spoke to a child in Havenstreet at lunchtime today (Easter Sunday).
Police say they responded to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at 11:48 when reports were received of a suspicious incident in the village.
An investigation is underway and officers are making extensive enquiries to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.
8 Police vehicles responded to the scene and specialist officers used a drone to conduct an aerial sweep of the area in the hunt for the suspect, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that a 64-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the report and has been taken into custody at Newport Police Station.
It’s thought that the arrest may have taken place in the Godshill area this afternoon.
A police presence is expected in the area today as officers conduct their enquiries. Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can speak with officers.
Anyone with information should also call 101 quoting 44210126378.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is currently closed to visitors as part of the coronavirus restrictions in place until 12th April.
I’m confused, arrested for speaking to a child?? Is it illegal to talk to children if you are an adult??.
I speak to children that I take to school all the time, however, I hope this man simply talked to the child without anything nasty being involved..
I hope we get an update of what was said, and ends up being an innocent exchange of words.
If a lone child appears lost and confused, perhaps crying, don’t approach it. It’ll be the end of your life as you know it. If a child approaches you, walk away immediately, eyes straight ahead. God forbid that a lone child ever needs my help. I won’t be able to give it. .
You need to study Safeguarding.
It obviously was an inappropriate conversation. 8 Police cars and a drone!!!!!
Sometimes the police do overreact, let’s hope that is the case…
Well who knew we had that many working police cars on The Island? Never around when you need just one of them! How is it obviously an “inappropriate conversation” children can make “story’s” up as well, until details and confirmed details are released, assuming you know, is never clever!.
Nothing ‘obvious’ at all.
It’s perfectly possible that a friendly, secure child would start a conversation with an unknown adult. If then observed by someone else, perhaps at a distance, the wrong conclusion could easily be jumped to.
A friend of ours, seeing a small child apparently alone in the street, asked her husband to go and make sure that it was alright. “No way”, he said, “I’m not going antwhere near it!”. Fortunately its mother then appeared. A very sad thing that men now have to take that position.
8 police vehicles in attendance. That is a lot for only one suspect.
I would like further explanation from the police because I pay their wages.
8 POLICE!! CRAZY! ITS always happens you get an incident and more police then was needed arrive.
Isn’t amazing all these people that criticize the police yet, if they are attacked or robbed the first thing they do is phone the police for help. Hypocrites!!
Police don’t attend robberies unless blood etc left at scene