UPDATED: Hampshire Constabulary have issued a ‘personal safety message’ to Islanders this morning (Sunday) after receiving reports of a male approaching teenage girls on the Isle of Wight.
Police are appealing for information to help identify a white male aged in his 40s and wearing casual clothing following 2 reports of an unknown man approaching teenage girls in the past few hours.
The separate incidents, which are said to have taken place last night (Saturday), have been reported in East Cowes and Freshwater – around 15 miles apart.
Based on the accounts given by the victims, Police say they believe there is a sexual motive behind these incidents.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We are sharing this information at this very early stage to alert parents, carers and young people on the Isle of Wight.
“We have increased patrols on the island and are seeking to identify this man as soon as possible.
“Please share this post and pass the information on to others, particularly parents and young people on the Isle of Wight”.
Article continues below this advertisement
UPDATE @ 07:50 – A section of Victoria Grove recreation ground in East Cowes, where one of the incidents is thought to have taken place, has been cordoned off by Police this morning.
A scene guard is in place, although the remainder of the playing field remains open for use.
Forensic investigators are expected to examine the scene later this morning.
UPDATE @ 13:40 – Island Echo now understands the unknown male approached 2 young teenage girls in East Cowes at around 21:00.
A post on social media by the parent of one of the girl’s involved suggests the suspect was pretending to be an undercover Police officer in order to lure the girls closer and ‘search’ them.
Although Police are yet to supply a better description of the offender, it is understood he is around 6ft tall and was wearing a Superdry puffer jacket and worker boots at the time of the incident.
Details about the incident in Freshwater remain unclear.
UPDATE @ 21:10 – Hampshire Constabulary have tonight confirmed that the wanted man, who is now described as white with a moustache and dressed in casual clothing, is believed to have claimed to be an undercover police officer and told the girls he was going to search them.
Police say in order to assist them with their investigation they would specifically like to trace a couple who they believe were walking their dog in the cemetery on Kingston Road in East Cowes last night (Saturday) between 20:00-21:00. Offices believe this couple, a man and woman, were walking a white dog on a red lead and spoke to a man in the cemetery.
Detective Inspector Gareth Jones has tonight said:
“If this was you, we want to hear from you. You may be witnesses or have information vital to our investigation. Please call us on 101 and quote 44160313360”.
DI Jones continued:
“We are continuing to investigate both incidents this evening and we would again like to remind parents, carers and young peoples on the Isle of Wight to remain alert.
“Remind children that a genuine police officer would not identify themselves as working undercover. A police officer would need to show his or her warrant card and only carry out the search under strict conditions.
“Advise children look out for each other and avoid talking to strangers. Report anything or anyone acting suspiciously to 101.
“Local neighbourhood officers will be out on hi-visibility patrols. Please approach them should you have any concerns.”
Anyone with information which could help identify this male should contact Newport cid on 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling Crimespotters on 0800 555 111.
