Teenage girl 'groped' in alleged sexual assault in South Shields
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Northumbria Police was alerted to an alleged sexual assault after a member of the public reported they had seen a girl being groped in the Saint Marks Way area.
Officers attended the scene and found the victim, a 16-year-old girl, who had walked from Ocean Beach Pleasure Park between 8pm and 9.15pm on Wednesday, June 24 after becoming separated from her friends.
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Hide AdShe is believed to have been approached by a man on Ocean Road who attempted to befriend her. The suspect then followed her before proceeding to kiss her on the neck and grope her.
An inquiry was launched and a 24-year-old man was arrested on on suspicion of sexual assault. He has since been released under investigation.
Officers now want to hear from anyone who thinks they saw a man – described as white, 5’8 tall with short dark hair and wearing a blue t-shirt and beige shorts – in the company of a young female on the night in question.
Detective Constable Jodie Faulkner, called on the public to come forward with any information regarding the incident – which left the teenage girl ‘terrified’.
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Hide AdHe said: “An investigation is ongoing into the incident and we have spoken to a man in connection with our inquiries.
“At present, we understand the girl did attempt to ask for help from various people who were passing by between 8pm and 9pm on the night in question.
“However, the suspect would try to allay any fears and walk on with her.
“The victim will have looked visibly upset and we believe a number of people must have seen her.
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Hide Ad“I am now appealing to those people to come forward with any information they have – however insignificant you feel it may be, it could prove the key to ensuring whoever is responsible is brought to justice.
“I would like to praise the victim for her bravery shown and we will continue to offer her any support that she needs.”
Call 101, use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force website quoting log 1359 240620 or email [email protected] with information.