Police have released two e-fit images of a man they want to speak to in relation to three suspicious incidents involving young girls, confirming fears that the incidents in Ryde, Newport and Cowes are believed to be linked.
As previously reported by Island Echo, a man was reported to have acted inappropriately towards two 12-year-old girls at Puckpool Park in Ryde back on 22nd March when he flashed his genitalia, sparking concern among parents in the area. Just three days later, a second incident occurred in Newport when a girl was approached and grabbed as she walked home along the footpath that runs behind Christ the King College, with many readers questioning if the two incidents were linked with the suspect’s description sounding similar. The man tried to lift up the girl’s skirt.
Today (Wednesday), Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed a third incident occurred on Sunday (13th April) when a man, also fitting the descriptions given previously, approached an 11-year-old girl in Cowes.
With two e-fits of just one person having been released, it appears that Police are looking for just one man in relation to all three incidents.
The unknown man is described as White, aged 40 – 60 with grey hair and may have been wearing dark sunglasses.
Detective Sergeant Gary Lyons of Newport DCID said:
“I would ask anyone who recognises the e-fit or anyone who knows the man to contact me as soon as possible.
“I would also encourage people to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to us straight away. I would also like to remind people not to speculate about the exact circumstances of these incidents, especially on social media.”
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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Isle of Wight Investigation Team by phoning 101 and quoting crime reference: 44140129968. Information can be given anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, dial 999.
