UPDATED: Detectives are tonight thought to be investigating the alleged rape of a young girl on the Isle of Wight this lunchtime (Friday).
At shortly before 13:00 the National Police Air Service helicopter from Bournemouth swooped low across the Island in the search for a man after it is understood a dog walker discovered a ‘young’ girl in a distressed state. It is alleged that she had been raped in a remote location near the sea.
Following an aerial search by the Police helicopter, the suspect’s car was located and officers on the ground moved in to arrest the wanted man on suspicion of the offence. He is now thought to be in custody at Newport Police Station where he is being questioned over the alleged incident.
Hampshire Constabulary are yet to issue a statement on the incident.
UPDATE SATURDAY – Police have confirmed that a 35-year-old man has been arrested following a series sexual assault on an 18-year-old girl in Niton.
It is said that around 09:00 yesterday the victim got into a van with a man on Sandown High Street before being driven to a secluded car park near Old Blackgang Road, Niton. While at this location, the woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault.
Officers are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, and anyone who may have seen a red Vauxhall van on Sandown High Street on Friday morning or on the south of the island near the Old Blackgang Road.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Heelan said:
“This was a very serious assault and we need to try and identify anyone who saw this man.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the red van, or anything suspicious in car parks around the Old Blackgang Road area to the south of the island between 9.30am and 11am on Friday morning.”
The unnamed 35-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident remains in custody at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44160379098, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
