Police investigate reports of sexual assault on four-year-old girl (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Police investigate reports of sexual assault on four-year-old girl
9:53am Thursday 21st February 2013 in News
DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a four-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulted at a children's play centre in Lancaster.
The girl told her parents the assault happened while she was playing at The Zone on Dalton Square between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Saturday, February 16.
A 13-year-old boy from Lancaster has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Inspector Phil Jones, who is leading the investigation, said he believed it to have been an isolated incident.
"This is a very sensitive investigation and we are seeking the help of the public," he said. "I would ask the parents or relatives of any children who were at The Zone on Saturday between 12.30pm and 2pm to contact the police.
"The young girl and her parents are currently being supported by specially trained officers and The Zone is fully cooperating with our investigation."
A spokesman for The Zone reassured parents it was an isolated incident.
“We are deeply shocked at recent events. We do our utmost to provide a safe and secure environment for children to play in with their parents supervision. This incident was totally beyond our control and it could have happened anywhere. I want to reassure our regular customers that this was an isolated incident.”
Anybody with any information should contact police on 101, quoting log number LC-20130216-1061, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
